{
  "patent_number": "US 10468695",
  "country": "US",
  "title": "How Fuel Cells Get Even Gas Flow with Special Layers",
  "original_title": "Gas distribution element for a fuel cell",
  "summary": "This patent describes a fuel cell component that uses a special two-layer design with linear channels and transverse openings to evenly spread fuel gas for better performance.",
  "what_it_does": "This patent describes a method for making sure fuel gas is spread evenly inside a fuel cell's gas distribution element. It uses a structure with a base layer, a first layer containing linear channels, and a second layer with special openings called 'first apertures.' As the combustible gas flows through the channels, it enters these apertures. The apertures are designed to extend sideways, or 'transverse,' to the main gas flow, and they connect at least two channels together. This allows the gas to mix and become uniform, or 'homogenized,' within the apertures. Some of this homogenized gas then flows back into the channels or exchanges between them, ensuring an even distribution before it reaches the fuel cell's active part, the cathode-anode-electrolyte unit. For example, if one channel has slightly more gas pressure, the transverse apertures allow that gas to spread to neighboring channels, balancing the flow.",
  "what_it_does_not_cover": [
    "Does not cover gas distribution elements that do not include both a distinct first layer with channels and a second layer with apertures.",
    "Does not cover gas distribution channels that are not linear or are not arranged side-by-side.",
    "Does not cover apertures that do not extend in a transverse direction relative to the main gas flow within the channels.",
    "Does not cover designs where the apertures do not fluidly connect at least two adjacent channels.",
    "Does not cover systems where the homogenized gas does not flow back into or exchange between the channels.",
    "Does not cover elements where the total surface area of the apertures contacting the fuel cell unit is less than 20% of the total contacting surface."
  ],
  "filed": "2017-04-10",
  "granted": "2019-11-05",
  "expires": "2037-04-10",
  "status": "active",
  "holder": "SolidPower SA",
  "holder_url": "https://patentbrief.org/company/solidpower-sa",
  "inventors": [
    {
      "name": "Zacharie Wuillemin",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/zacharie-wuillemin"
    }
  ],
  "times_cited": 1,
  "tags": [
    "energy",
    "automotive",
    "telecommunications",
    "materials",
    "mechanical"
  ],
  "abstract": "The gas distribution element for a fuel cell or an electrolyzing device including a first layer and a second layer, the first and second layers are disposed with a gas distribution structure forming a pattern for a fluid flow of a first reactant fluid. The second layer is a homogenizing element, which has first apertures, wherein at least some of the first apertures have a length and a width, with the length being greater than the width and the length extending in a transverse direction to the main direction of fluid flow.",
  "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10468695/gas-distribution-element-for-a-fuel-cell",
  "markdown_url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10468695/gas-distribution-element-for-a-fuel-cell/md",
  "google_patents_url": "https://patents.google.com/patent/US10468695",
  "relatedPatents": [
    {
      "patentNumber": "20250027216",
      "countryCode": "US",
      "title": "Dome-Shaped Plates for Efficient Hydrogen Production in Electrolyzers",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20250027216/electrolyzer"
    },
    {
      "patentNumber": "10950878",
      "countryCode": "US",
      "title": "How a Fuel Cell Humidifier Controls Air Moisture with a Smart Valve",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10950878/humidifier-for-a-fuel-cell"
    },
    {
      "patentNumber": "5346778",
      "countryCode": "US",
      "title": "Boosting Fuel Cell Power for Vehicles Using Oxygen Injection",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/5346778/electrochemical-load-management-system-for-transportation-applications"
    },
    {
      "patentNumber": "11942620",
      "countryCode": "US",
      "title": "How to Build Solid-State Batteries with Tiny Holes for Better Electrolyte",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11942620/solid-state-battery-with-uniformly-distributed-electrolyte-and-methods-of-fabric"
    },
    {
      "patentNumber": "8636880",
      "countryCode": "US",
      "title": "How to Make Hydrogen Gas and Cupric Chloride Using an Electrolysis Cell",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/8636880/electrolysis-cell-for-the-conversion-of-cuprous-chloride-in-hydrochloric-acid-to"
    }
  ]
}