Abstract:
A flexible light redirecting film includes a continuous removable layer and a discontinuous light redirecting layer disposed on the removable layer and including a plurality of distinct spaced apart light redirecting portions extending along a first direction and arranged along an orthogonal second direction. Each light redirecting portion includes a structured polymeric portion having a first major surface facing the removable layer and an opposing structured second major surface including a plurality of linear microstructures; a structured adhesive portion including a structured third major surface facing, and substantially conforming to, the structured second major surface; and an optically reflective portion disposed between, and substantially conforming to, the structured second and third major surfaces. The light redirecting portions can be removed one at a time from the removable layer. A photovoltaic module and a method of applying a light redirecting film to a tabbing ribbon of a photovoltaic module are described.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to electrode assemblies, membrane-electrode assemblies and electrochemical cells and liquid flow batteries produced therefrom. The electrode and membrane-electrode assemblies include (i) a porous electrode having a first major surface with a first surface area, Ae, an opposed second major surface and a plurality of voids; (ii) a discontinuous transport protection layer, comprising polymer, disposed on the first major surface and having a cross-sectional area, Ap, substantially parallel to the first major surface; and (iii) an interfacial region wherein the interfacial region includes a portion of the polymer embedded in at least a portion of the plurality of voids, a portion of the porous electrode embedded in a portion of the polymer or a combination thereof; and wherein 0.02Ae ≤ Ap ≤ 0.85Ae and the porous electrode and discontinuous transport protection layer form an integral structure. The disclosure further provides methods of making the electrode assemblies and membrane-electrode assemblies.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates membrane-electrode assemblies and electrochemical cells and liquid flow batteries produced therefrom. The membrane-electrode assemblies include a first porous electrode; an ion permeable membrane, having a first major surface and an opposed second major surface; a first discontinuous transport protection layer disposed between the first porous electrode and the first major surface of the ion permeable membrane; and a first adhesive layer in contact with the first porous electrode and at least one of the first discontinuous transport protection layer and the ion permeable membrane. The first adhesive layer is disposed along the perimeter of the membrane-electrode assembly. The first porous electrode and first discontinuous transport protection layer, without the presence of the first adhesive layer, are not an integral structure and the membrane-electrode assembly is an integral structure
Abstract:
A flow field plate for a fuel cell includes features in the gas input area that enhance gas distribution to the flow field channels. The input area of the flow field plate directs gases from an input manifold to the flow field channels. The input area includes one or more input channels which are defined by input channel walls. One or more features are included within the input area to enhance the distribution of the gas to the flow field channels. The gas distribution enhancement features may provide support for a sealing element to reduce blockage of the channels and/or may provide a path for fluid communication between adjacent input channels.
Abstract:
A gas diffusion layer incorporating a gasket (GIG) is described along with assemblies incorporating the GIG subassembly. Processes for making the GIG and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) incorporating the GIG are also described. A GIG subassembly includes a gas diffusion layer (GDL) and a gasket bonded to the GDL. The gasket includes a first gasket layer and a second gasket layer. The second gasket layer is formed of a gasket material in contact with the first gasket layer and the GDL. The gasket material of the second gasket layer bonds the GDL to the first gasket layer. An adhesive layer, and optionally a removable adhesive liner, is disposed on a surface of the first gasket layer opposite the second gasket layer. In some MEA configurations, the GDL is disposed within an aperture in the first gasket layer.
Abstract:
Fabrication methods for making a gas diffusion layer incorporating a gasket (GIG) fuel cell subassemblies via roll-to-roll processes are described. A material processable by one or both of heat and pressure having spaced apart apertures is transported to a bonding station. A first gasket layer having gas diffusion layers arranged in relation to spaced apart apertures of a first gasket layer is transported to the bonding station. The heat/pressure processable material is aligned with the first gasket layer and the gas diffusion layers. At the bonding station, the heat/pressure processable material is bonded to the first gasket layer and the gas diffusion layers. After bonding, the heat/pressure processable material forms a second gasket layer that attaches the gas diffusion layers to the first gasket layer.
Abstract:
Fabrication methods for making a gas diffusion layer incorporating a gasket (GIG) fuel cell subassemblies via roll-to-roll processes are described. A material processable by one or both of heat and pressure having spaced apart apertures is transported to a bonding station. A first gasket layer having gas diffusion layers arranged in relation to spaced apart apertures of a first gasket layer is transported to the bonding station. The heat/pressure processable material is aligned with the first gasket layer and the gas diffusion layers. At the bonding station, the heat/pressure processable material is bonded to the first gasket layer and the gas diffusion layers. After bonding, the heat/pressure processable material forms a second gasket layer that attaches the gas diffusion layers to the first gasket layer.
Abstract:
A gas diffusion layer incorporating a gasket (GIG) is described along with assemblies incorporating the GIG subassembly. Processes for making the GIG and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) incorporating the GIG are also described. A GIG subassembly includes a gas diffusion layer (GDL) and a gasket bonded to the GDL. The gasket includes a first gasket layer and a second gasket layer. The second gasket layer is formed of a gasket material in contact with the first gasket layer and the GDL. The gasket material of the second gasket layer bonds the GDL to the first gasket layer. An adhesive layer, and optionally a removable adhesive liner, is disposed on a surface of the first gasket layer opposite the second gasket layer. In some MEA configurations, the GDL is disposed within an aperture in the first gasket layer.