Commissariat a L'energie Atomique

Jean Arroyo

Jean-Yves Laurent

Didier Marsacq

Didier Bloch

The basic module has a large functional surface area compared with its relatively small global surface area. It is composed mainly of a multitude of micro-volumes () installed in a closed space between a lower border (), upper border () and side border (). Each micro-volume wall is covered with a layer forming the membrane/electrodes basic element. Circulation of a first reactant to pass inside each micro-volume () is enabled, whereas circulation of a second reactant to pass inside each micro-volume () is enabled. The space between the micro-volumes () may possibly be filled in with a porous material to stiffen the assembly. Applications for small sized fuel cells.

Miniature fuel cell base module comprising micro-volumes which are traversed by one of two reactants

The present invention relates to a process for producing a fuel cell, comprising a step of forming a plurality of holes () in at least two substrates (); each hole is in the seat of an individual fuel cell, the said holes having a particular geometry, such as a shape of a truncated cone or a truncated pyramid shape. The various individual cells are then electrically connected by networks of electrical connections () and are supplied via a reactant distribution network, the assembly formed by a substrate (), the cells and the networks constituting a base module ('). Finally, at least two base modules (&#x2032;) are assembled, the individual cells of each base module being positioned facing the individual cells of the adjacent base module(s).

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Meylan, France

Jean Arroyo