Title of Invention

AN ELECTRODE ARRANGEMENT FOR A FUEL CELL AND SUPPORT DEVICE THEREFOR

Abstract In order to increase the output of a fuel cell, the fuel cell has an electrode arrangement comprising a number of series-connected electrode bundles (1-6), each consisting of a number of parallelly connected electrodes (7) and each being electrically connected and captive at the ends.
Full Text AN ELECTRODE ARRANGEMENT FOR A FUEL CELL
AND SUPPORT DEVICE THEREFOR
Description
The Invention relates to an electrode arrangement for a fuel cell and a
support device therefor.
It is known from WO 00/54358 to connect electrodes for fuel cells in
parallel or in series. For example, it is proposed therein to electrically connect to
one another the anode, which is arranged at a free end of an electrode of coaxial
design, to that surface of a further, identical electrode which is designed as a
cathode, to provide a series connection.
Furthermore, the design of fuel cell modules is explained, in which a
multiplicity of individual electrodes are arranged in each case in a plane in a
frame and are connected in a cascade. In this case, those surfaces of the
individual electrodes which are designed as a cathode are directly in contact and
the anodes of the individual electrodes are connected to one another on an end
side of the module.
Individual modules of this type may, in turn, be connected in a cascade
and/or in series.
The comparatively complex design of the known modules and the
necessity of electrically insulating individual modules from one another in a
series connection represent a considerable technical effort. In particular, the
operational reliability of a fuel cell having modules of this type, in particular
modules which are connected in series, is also questionable, since, if the single,
electrical connection between the modules is interrupted, the entire fuel cell no
longer functions.

Against this technical background, the invention has the object of
providing an electrode arrangement for a fuel cell, which arrangement has a
simple structural design, but is extremely efficient and the geometry of which can
be designed in a simple manner and which can have, in particular, a circular
cross section.
The solution to this technical problem is focused on an electrode
arrangement for a fuel cell, which arrangement has a plurality of electrode
bundles which in each case comprise a plurality of electrodes connected in
parallel, are connected in series, are gathered together in each case on the end
side and are connected electrically.
An electrode arrangement of this type expediently requires electrodes
whose cathode or anode can be tapped of on the end side. As a consequence, it
is possible to connect the anodes or cathodes of the electrodes of an electrode
bundle electrically to one another on the end side in order thereby to obtain a
cascade connection of a multiplicity of electrodes. As a consequence, the failure
of one electrode, possibly even a plurality of electrodes, of an electrode bundle
will have hardly any effect on its functioning capability.
A plurality of electrode bundles of this type, preferably of identical design,
are further connected in series, for which purpose electrode bundles rotated
through 180° are arranged in an alternating manner.
The electrodes are gathered together on the end side, this providing
sufficient stability overall. It is preferably conceivable here for the ends of the
electrodes forming an electrode bundle to be taken hold of together, it also being
possible for the electrical connection to be undertaken by the holder. In
particular, these holders of the electrode bundles connected in series is
furthermore designed to be mechanically common, but separated electrically
from one another.

This structural design permits electrode arrangements of virtually any
desired geometry, in particular even of circular ring-shaped cross section.
In one structural refinement, provision is made for the electrodes to be
spaced apart from one another. This measure ensures that, for example,
combustion gas, flow readily against each individual electrode or flows readily
through the electrode arrangement.
In one structural refinement, provision may furthermore be made for
electrode bundles to be held in each case on the end side in electrically
conductive sectors, which are insulated from one another, of a common head
plate. The electrodes are therefore held on the end side and connected
electrically to one another in a simple manner. In this case, the sectors are
preferably designed as sectors of a circle, with which a circular ting-shaped cross
section of the electrode arrangement can be formed.
In order to connect electrode bundles in series, provision is preferably
made for this purpose for two electrode bundles arranged with opposing poles to
be connected in an electrically conductive manner and, in particular, also
(lathered together in one sector. In this connection, it may be expedient, if the
electrode bundles are in each case held on the end side together in a head
plate, to arrange the sectors rotated relative to one another with respect respect
to a central axis.
In this connection, provision is furthermore generally made for a first head
plate to have n sectors and for a second head plate to have n + 1 sectors, n
representing a whole number. The second head plate will therefore have the
plus and the minus pole of the electrode arrangement, in particular in sectors
lying next to one another.
The individual sectors may be separated from one another, for example,
by nsulating layers. However, it is preferred for non-conductive webs to separate

the sectors electrically from one another. In this case, in addition to the function
of connecting the sectors but insulating them electrically from one another, the
webs also have a supporting function, in particular if a common head plate is
formed. It is then furthermore appropriate also to fix the electrode arrangement in
a fuel cell to these non-conductive webs, for example.
In one preferred refinement, provision is made for the webs to be held at
one end in a center in the manner of spokes to form a star. The sectors are
therefore designed in a simple manner as sectors of a circle. If in particular in a
further refinement, provision is made for the free ends of the webs of a star to be
enclosed by a ring, the production of the electrode arrangement according to the
invention is made possible in a particular simple manner. This is because, after
the corresponding ends of the electrode bundles are inserted into the sectors,
these ends can be sealed in a simple manner, since the regions which are to be
sealed are already predetermined in terms of shape without needing further
molds or the like.
Provision may be made for the ring to be extended axially in the manner
of a sleeve until it overlaps the entire axial extent of the electrode arrangement.
A "housing" can thus be formed and/or fastening possibilities within a fuel cell
can be made available.
In another structural refinement, provision is made for the centers of
opposite head plates to be connected by central rod, in particular for the centers
of two stars to be connected to each other by a central rod of this type. An exact
positioning of the individual electrode bundles is therefore predetermined. Also, if
subjected to an axial load, a transmission of force does not take place via the
electrodes themselves, but rather this will take place via the central rod. High
mechanical stability is therefore ensured.
Provision may be made for the electrodes to be arranged extending
rectilinearly and in parallel. A simple structural design is therefore ensured.

However, as an alternative, provision may be made for the electrodes to be
arranged coiled. In consequence, in comparison to electrodes arranged
rectilinearly, with the electrode arrangement having the same axial extent, a
higher voltage is produced owing to the coiled electrodes which are of longer
design. A greater packing density is therefore achieved.
In one variant of the electrode arrangement according to the invention, the
design of an individual electrode is simplified, and a common external electrode
is provided for an electrode bundle, at which a tap can be led off in a simple
manner to provide a voltage potential counter to the enclosed electrode bundle.
In this case, it has proven expedient if the common external electrode
encloses, in cross section, a sector of a circle, in particular if a plurality of
external electrodes arranged lying next to one another together are arranged
forming a circle. An extremely compact structural form can therefore be
achieved, and a parallel connection is made possible in a simple manner by
electrically connecting the external electrodes. It is preferred, however, for the
opposite surfaces of external electrodes lying next to one another to be arranged
separated electrically from one another, so that a cascade circuit is also made
possible in the manner explained at the beginning. The sectors of a circle of two
external electrodes lying next to each other can then correspond to an
electrically conductive sector of a head plate.
If an electrode arrangement of this type is provided with an external
electrode, further electrodes can be provided spaced apart radially and also
parallel to said arrangement, it also being possible, in particular, for the
electrodes to have different axial extents.
In particular for the electrode arrangement according to the invention
which was described at the beginning, it has proven expedient to provide a
support device in which provision is made for the centers of two stars of webs
held in the manner of spokes to be connected by a central part. A support device

of this type makes it possible to exactly predetermine the positioning of electrode
bundles which, moreover, are connected in a mechanically stable manner to the
support device. In this case, it is expedient if the number of webs of the stars
differs by one. A secure electrical connection to the star having one web more is
therefore made possible in a simple manner.
In one preferred refinement, the support is manufactured integrally from
an electrically insulating material, for example from a plastic.
In order to make it possible to seal in the free ends of the electrodes or
electrode bundles, provision may furthermore be made to enclose the free ends
of the webs of a star with a ring. This ring will then generally mark the outer ring
of a head plate. If appropriate, a ring of this type may also be extended axially in
the manner of a sleeve.
Accordingly, the present mention provides an electrode arrangement for a
fuel cell having two end sides and comprising a plurality of electrode bundles
connected in series, each of said plural electrode bundles having a plurality of
olectrodes connected in parallel, each of said plural electrodes having first and
second ends, wherein said first ends of said plurality of electrodes in each
respective one of said plural electrode bundles are gathered together one one of
the end sides and connected electrically and said second ends of said plurality of
electrodes in each respective one of said plural electrode bundles are gathered
together on the other one of the end sides and connected electrically; a first
head plate on said one of said end sides having a plurality of electrically
conductive sectors which are insulated from one another, wherein each of said
electrode bundles are held on said one of said end sides by said electrically
conductive sectors, wherein opposing poles of two of said plural electrode
bundles are connected in an electrically conductive manner by one sector of said
plural electrically conductive sectors, thereby creating a series connection of said
two of said plural electrode bundles; and a second head plate on the other of
said side ends, wherein said first head plate has n sectors and said second head

plate has n+1 sectors, where n represents a whole number.
The present invention also provides a support device for an electrode
arrangement comprising a plurality of electrode bundles connected in series,
each of said plural electrode bundles having a plurality of electrodes connected
in parallel, each of said plural electrodes having first and second ends, said
support device comprising: a first head end having webs connected at a center
position and extending radially from said center, said webs defining sectors in
which the first ends of the bundles of electrodes are receivable; a second head
end having webs connected at a center position and extending radially from said
center, said webs defining sectors in which the second ends of the bundles of
electrodes are receivable, wherein said first head end has n webs and said
second head has n+1 webs, where n represents a whole number; and a central
rod connected between the said centers of said first and second head ends, said
first and second head ends being arranged on said central rod such that a
projection of each sector on said first head end parallel to said central rod covers
portions of two sectors on second head end, whereby electrode bundles
connected in one sector on said first head end are connectable to two different
sectors on said second head end.
The invention will be explained in greater detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are illustrated merely
schematically. In the drawings :
Figure 1 shows an isometric illustration of an electrode arrangement
according to the invention.
Figure 2 shows a view of the end side according to the arrow II in figure 1,
Figure 3 shows a support device according to the invention, and
Figure 4 shows, in a cross section, a further exemplary embodiment of an

electrode arrangement.
Figure 1 shows an electrode arrangement according to the invention for a
fuel cell with, by way of example, six electrode bundles 1 to 6 which consist, in
turn, by way of example, of six individual electrodes 7 which are connected in
parallel.
In contrast, the electrode bundles 1 to 6 themselves are connected in
series.
In particular, tubular composites which have a coaxial design and the plus
and minus pole of which can be tapped off on the end side are suitable as
electrodes. The electrochemical reaction, for example, between a combustion
gas and an oxidant generally takes place in the case of electrodes 7 of this type
via the coaxial structure thereof, the design of the structure being dependent on
whether the combustion gas, for example, flows through or against the
electrodes 7.
In order, in particular, to ensure that the flow passes against each
electrodes 7, the electrodes 7 the electrodes 7 are spaced apart from one
another.
The electrodes 7 or the electrode bundles 1 to 6 are held on the end side
in head plates 8, 9 and also are connected electrically in these head plates 8, 9.
For this purpose, the head plates 8, 9 are divided into sectors of an
electrically conductive material, here into sectors of a circle 10 to 12 of the head
plate 8 and 13 to 16 of the head plate 9, said sectors being separated electrically
from one another by webs 17 to 19 and webs 20 to 23 of a non-conductive
material.
The first head plate 8 has just three sectors 10 to 12, while the second

head plate 9 has one sector more, so that the minus pole 24 and the plus pole
25 of the electrode arrangement, for example, can be tapped off there. In
general terms this means that the first head plate 8 has a number of n sectors
and the second head plate 9 has a number of n+1 sectors, n representing a
whole number.
The first electrode bundle 1 with electrodes 7 arranged rectilinearly and in
parallel extends between the sector 13 having the minus pole 24 of the head
plate 9 and the sector 10 of the first head plate 8 and is held there in the sector
10, for example, for example in a conductive sealing compound, as a result of
which the cathodes of the electrodes 7 of the electrode bundle 1 are also
connected conductively to one another and thus their parallel connection is
ensured there. These cathodes of the first electrode bundle 1 are characterized
in the sector 10 by the plus sign.
In the same manner, the anodes the electrode bundle 2 are held in the
electrically conductive sector 10 and are connected in an electrically conductive
manner in a parallel circuit. The anodes are illustrated by the minus sign.
The cathodes of the electrode bundle 2 are then connected in parallel in
the same manner in the sector 14 of the head plate 9 and are connected in an
electrically conductive manner to the anodes, which are likewise connected in
parallel, of the electrode bundle 3 which has, at the other end, in the head plate
8 cathodes which are connected in parallel in the sector 11.
In the sector 11, the electrode bundle 4 is, in turn, held on the end side on
the anode side and is also electrically connected together. The parallel
connection of the electrode bundle 4 on the cathode side takes place in the
sector 15 of the head plate 9, in which the anodes of the electrode bundle 5 are
furthermore connected in parallel. The cathodes of the electrode bundle 5 are
gathered and connected in the sector 12, together with the anodes of the
electrodes of the electrode bundle 6. Its cathodes which are gathered and

connected electrically in the sector 16 of the head plate 9 are designed as plus
pole 25.
The six electrode bundles 1 to 6 with in each case six electrodes
connected in parallel are therefore themselves connected in series by in each
case two electrode bundles, which are arranged with opposing poles, being
electrically conductively connected in the sectors 10 to 12 and 14 and 15, with
the exception of the sectors 13 and 16, between which the voltage output from
the fuel cell or from the electrode arrangement can be tapped off at the poles 24,
25.
The webs 17 to 19 and 20 to 23 which electrically separate the sectors 10
to 12 and 13 to 16, respectively, and the rings 26, 27 which respectively radially
enclose the head plates 8 and 9 can be part of a support device 28, of the
illustration which is not to scale according to figure 3.
In figure 3, in which the assignment of the reference numbers have been
undertaken in accordance with figure 1, it can be seen that the webs 17 to 19 are
held at one end in a center 29 in the manner of spokes to form a star 30. The
free, radially outer ends of the webs 17 to 19 are enclosed by a ring 26. This
measure provides a "casting mold" in which the ends of the electrode bundles 1
to 6 are held by, for example, an electrically conductive casting resin and can be
connected electrically.
The webs 20 to 23 of the second head plate 9 can also form a star 31 with
a center 32. In figure 3, a ring around the second star 32 has been omitted for
the sake of clarity.
The centers 29 and 32 are connected to each other by a central rod 33.
An electrically insulating material and an integral design are preferred for
the support device 28.

As a consequence of this structural measure, axial forces which act on the
electrode arrangement according to figure 1 are absorbed by the central rod 33.
The electrodes 7 are subjected to scarcely any axial load.
In alternative embodiments, provision may furthermore be made for the
ring 26 to be designed in a manner such that it is extended axially in the manner
of a sleeve. If appropriate, an extension of this type may result in the provision of
a casing wall which completely accommodates the electrodes 7 in the interior.
Given the same axial dimensions, in comparison to an electrode
arrangement having electrodes arranged in parallel and rectilinearly in
accordance with figure 1, it is possible, in the case of an electrode arrangement,
for longer individual electrodes or electrode bundles also to be provided in a
coiled arrangement in order, for example, owing to the greater length of the
individual electrodes, to produce, for example, a higher voltage. All that is
required here for this, in comparison to the illustration which is shown, is for the
stars 30, 31 to be rotated relative to each other.
Figure 4 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an electrode
arrangement schematically in a cross section.
Six electrode bundles 35-40 with in each case ten individual elements 41,
which are reproduced in a simplified manner and have a fuel component flowing
through and/or against them are illustrated there by way of example, which
electrode bundles 35-40 are arranged in each case within a common external
electrode 42-47. In the section which is shown, these common external
electrodes 42-47 enclose sectors of a circle, the opening angles of which are
approximately 60° in the exemplary embodiment.
Opening angles are approximately 60° in the exemplary embodiment.
This geometry in the manner of a piece of cake enables a fuel cell of cylindrical

construction to be produced according to figure 4, in which case then, in order to
connect the electrode bundles 35-40 to one another in series, the opposite
surfaces of the external electrodes 42-47 have to be insulated electrically from
one another. Use can be made for this purpose of a support device of an
electrically insulating plastic according to figure 3, in which the webs are
designed such that they are extended axially, in particular reaching as far as the
opposite head plate. Such webs 48-53 then separate the external electrodes 42-
47 and, moreover, also ensure the mechanical support, since the external
electrodes 42-47 are held "in pockets".
In accordance with the above-described exemplary embodiments,
electrode bundles lying next to one another in an encircling manner are bound in
an alternating manner in conductive sector halves of the head plates and also in
succession, and the external electrodes are preferably likewise bound or
connected electrically in another manner. An external electrode 42-47 therefore
forms half of a conductive sector of the head plate.

WE CLAIM :
1. An electrode arrangement for a fuel cell having two end sides and
comprising a plurality of electrode bundles connected in series, each of said
plural electrode bundles having a plurality of electrodes connected in parallel,
each of said plural electrodes having first and second ends, wherein said first
ends of said plurality of electrodes in each respective one of said plural electrode
bundles are gathered together one one of the end sides and connected
electrically and said second ends of said plurality of electrodes in each
respective one of said plural electrode bundles are gathered together on the
other one of the end sides and connected electrically;
a first head plate on said one of said end sides having a plurality of
electrically conductive sectors which are insulated from one another, wherein
each of said electrode bundles are held on said one of said end sides by said
electrically conductive sectors, wherein opposing poles of two of said plural
electrode bundles are connected in an electrically conductive manner by one
sector of said plural electrically conductive sectors, thereby creating a series
connection of said two of said plural electrode bundles; and
a second head plate on the other of said side ends, wherein said first
head plate has n sectors and said second head plate has n+1 sectors, where n
represents a whole number.
2. The electrode arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of
electrodes are spaced apart from one another.
3. The electrode arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sectors
are sectors of a circle.
4. The electrode arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electrically
conductive sectors are separated from one another by non-conductive webs.

5. The electrode arrangement as claimed in claim 4, wherein said webs are
held at said one of said end sides in a center and comprise free ends which
extend radially outward from the center in a star formation.
6. The electrode arrangement as claimed in claim 5, comprising a ring
enclosing said free ends of said webs.
7. The electrode arrangement as claimed in claim 6, wherein said ring
comprises a sleeve having an axial extension.
8. The electrode arrangement as claimed in claim 5, comprising a second
head plate on the other of said end sides having a plurality of electrically
conductive sectors which are insulated from one another by non-conductive
webs which are held at a center of said second head plate and comprise free
ends, wherein each of said electrode bundles are held on the other one of said
end sides in said electrically conductive sectors, and a central rod connecting the
centers of said first and second head plates.
9. The electrode arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electrodes
extend rectilinearly and parallel.
10. The electrode arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electrodes
are arranged so that said electrodes are coiled.
11. The electrode arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of said
electrode bundles has a common external electrode.
12. The electrode arrangement as claimed in claim 11, wherein said common
external electrode encloses in cross section a sector of a circle.

13. The electrode arrangement as claimed in claim 11, comprising a plurality
of common external electrodes arranged adjacent one another and forming a
circle.
14. The electrode arrangement as claimed in claim 13, wherein opposing
surfaces of adjacent ones of said external electrodes are insulated electrically
from one another.
15. The electrode arrangement as claimed in claim 13, wherein sectors of a
circle of two of said common external electrodes correspond to one electrically
conductive sector.
16. The electrode arrangement as claimed in claim 11, comprising further
electrodes spaced apart radially and parallel to said one of said electrode
bundles with a common external electrode.
17. A support device for an electrode arrangement comprising a plurality of
electrode bundles connected in series, each of said plural electrode bundles
having a plurality of electrodes connected in parallel, each of said plural
electrodes having first and second ends, said support device comprising:
a first head end having webs connected at a center position and extending
radially from said center, said webs defining sectors in which the first ends of the
bundles of electrodes are receivable;
a second head end having webs connected at a center position and
extending radially from said center, said webs defining sectors in which the
second ends of the bundles of electrodes are receivable, wherein said first head
end has n webs and said second head has n+1 webs, where n represents a
whole number; and

a central rod connected between the said centers of said first and second
head ends, said first and second head ends being arranged on said central rod
such that a projection of each sector on said first head end parallel to said
central rod covers portions of two sectors on second head end, whereby
electrode bundles connected in one sector on said first head end are
connectable to two different sectors on said second head end.
13. The support device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said first head end,
said second head end and said central rod consist integrally of an electrically
non-conductive material.
19. The support device as claimed in claim 17, wherein each of said first and
second head ends comprises a ring enclosing the free ends of the webs.

In order to increase the output of a fuel cell, the fuel cell has an electrode
arrangement comprising a number of series-connected electrode bundles (1-6),
each consisting of a number of parallelly connected electrodes (7) and each
being electrically connected and captive at the ends.

Documents:

78-KOLNP-2004-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

78-kolnp-2004-granted-abstract.pdf

78-kolnp-2004-granted-assignment.pdf

78-kolnp-2004-granted-claims.pdf

78-kolnp-2004-granted-correspondence.pdf

78-kolnp-2004-granted-description (complete).pdf

78-kolnp-2004-granted-drawings.pdf

78-kolnp-2004-granted-examination report.pdf

78-kolnp-2004-granted-form 1.pdf

78-kolnp-2004-granted-form 18.pdf

78-kolnp-2004-granted-form 3.pdf

78-kolnp-2004-granted-form 5.pdf

78-kolnp-2004-granted-gpa.pdf

78-kolnp-2004-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

78-kolnp-2004-granted-specification.pdf


Patent Number 226184
Indian Patent Application Number 78/KOLNP/2004
PG Journal Number 50/2008
Publication Date 12-Dec-2008
Grant Date 08-Dec-2008
Date of Filing 22-Jan-2004
Name of Patentee 2S-SOPHISTICATED SYSTEMS LIMITED
Applicant Address 10 CROMWELL PLACE, SOUTH KENSINTON, LONDON SW7 2JN
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 BLUM STEPHEN RUDIGER CHOPINSTRASSE 42, 40593 DUSSELDORF
PCT International Classification Number H01M 8/00
PCT International Application Number PCT/DE02/02446
PCT International Filing date 2002-07-04
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 101 32 078.7 2001-07-05 Germany