Patents by Inventor Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid

Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Hybrid electrically conductive fluid distribution separator plate assembly for fuel cells
    Patent number: 8084164
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides an electrically conductive fluid distribution separator plate assembly, a method of making, and a system for using, the electrically conductive fluid distribution separator plate assembly. In at least one embodiment, the electrically conductive fluid distribution separator plate assembly comprises a metallic cathode plate having opposed surfaces and a first contact resistance, a polymeric composite anode plate adjacent to the metallic cathode plate, and a low contact resistance coating located on at least one of the surfaces of the plates, with the coating having a second contact resistance, less than the first contact resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Youssef M. Mikhail, Richard H. Blunk, John N. Owens, Daniel J. Lisi, Gayatri Vyas
  • Electrically Conductive Metal Fluid Distribution Plate for Fuel Cells
    Publication number: 20110311720
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides an electrically conductive fluid distribution plate and a method of making, and system for using, the electrically conductive fluid distribution plate. In at least one embodiment, the plate comprises an electrically conductive fluid distribution plate comprising a metallic plate body defining a set of fluid flow channels configured to distribute flow of a fluid across at least one side of the plate, a metal-containing adhesion promoting layer having a thickness less than 100 nm disposed on the plate body, and a composite polymeric conductive layer disposed on the metal-containing adhesion promoting layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Feng Zhong, Richard H. Blunk
  • FUEL CELLS COMPRISING MOLDABLE GASKETS, AND METHODS OF MAKING
    Publication number: 20110254198
    Abstract: Devices comprising an electrochemical conversion assembly comprise a plurality of electrochemical conversion cells, and a plurality of electrically conductive bipolar plates, wherein the electrochemical conversion cells are disposed between the adjacent bipolar plates. The electrochemical conversion assembly further comprises a plurality of conversion assembly gaskets, wherein the respective conversion assembly gaskets are molded onto corresponding ones of the plurality of bipolar plates. The conversion assembly gaskets comprise a mixture including polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Youssef M. Mikhail, Daniel J. Lisi, Gayatri Vyas
  • Method of coating fuel cell components for water removal
    Patent number: 8029870
    Abstract: A method for coating a fuel cell component is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a fuel cell component, and forming a coating on a surface of the fuel cell component with a plasma jet. The step of forming the coating may include applying a coating precursor to a surface of the fuel cell component and then reacting the coating precursor with the plasma jet to form the coating. The step of forming the coating may also include growing the coating on the surface of the fuel cell component by delivering the plasma jet containing the coating precursor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gayatri Vyas Dadheech, Youssef M. Mikhail, Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Jeffrey M. Guzda
  • Selectively Coated Bipolar Plates for Water Management and Freeze Start in PEM Fuel Cells
    Publication number: 20110229792
    Abstract: A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes an electrically conductive plate having a first surface defining a plurality of channels. An active area section and an inactive area section characterize the flow field channels. A hydrophobic layer is disposed over at least a portion of the inactive area section while a hydrophilic layer is disposed over at least a portion of the active area section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gayatri Vyas Dadheech, Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid
  • Metal fluid distribution plate with an adhesion promoting layer and polymeric layer
    Patent number: 8017280
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides an electrically conductive fluid distribution plate and a method of making, and system for using, the electrically conductive fluid distribution plate. In at least one embodiment, the plate comprises an electrically conductive fluid distribution plate comprising a metallic plate body defining a set of fluid flow channels configured to distribute flow of a fluid across at least one side of the plate, a metal-containing adhesion promoting layer having a thickness less than 100 nm disposed on the plate body, and a composite polymeric conductive layer disposed on the metal-containing adhesion promoting layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Feng Zhong, Richard H. Blunk
  • PEM fuel cell with improved water management
    Patent number: 8007958
    Abstract: A product including a polymer electrolyte membrane, an electrode over the membrane, a gas diffusion media layer over the electrode, and a hydrophilic layer over the gas diffusion media layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Youssef M. Mikhail, Gayatri Vyas Dadheech
  • Method to reduce/eliminate shunt current corrosion of wet end plate in PEM fuel cells
    Patent number: 7998631
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a first fuel cell assembly and a last fuel cell assembly. The first fuel cell assembly includes a first end plate assembly, which has a first end plate cooling channel adapted to receive a coolant. The last fuel cell assembly includes a last end plate assembly that has a last end plate cooling channel. A first electrical potential exists between the first end plate and the last end plate. The fuel cell stack also includes a connecting cooling channel is in fluid communication with the first end plate cooling channel and the last end plate cooling channel. A coolant is contained within the connecting coolant channel, the first end plate cooling channel, and a last end plate cooling channel. The fuel cell stack further includes a coolant electrode positioned in the coolant channel, which contacts the coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Youssef M. Mikhail, Gayatri Vyas Dadheech
  • REVERSIBLE SUPERHYDROPHILIC-SUPERHYDROPHOBIC COATING FOR FUEL CELL BIPOLAR PLATES AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20110171564
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment includes a fuel cell bipolar plate having a reversible super hydrophilic-super hydrophobic coating over at least a portion thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard H. Blunk, Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid
  • Corrosion resistant metal composite for electrochemical devices and methods of producing the same
    Patent number: 7972449
    Abstract: A metal composite for use in electrochemical devices is disclosed. The metal composite comprises a stainless steel interior component and a deposited nitrided metal exterior layer, wherein the nitrided exterior layer has lower electric contact resistance and greater corrosion resistance than the stainless steel interior component. A bipolar plate made of such metal composite and methods of producing the metal composite and bipolar plate are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Youssef M. Mikhail, Gayatri Vyas Dadheech, Feng Zhong, Richard H. Blunk, Daniel J. Lisi
  • Enhanced stability bipolar plate
    Patent number: 7955754
    Abstract: An enhanced stability and inexpensive bipolar plate for a fuel cell is disclosed. The enhanced stability bipolar plate includes a bipolar plate substrate and a corrosion-resistant coating provided on the bipolar plate substrate. A method for enhancing corrosion resistance of a bipolar plate is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Richard H. Blunk, Gayatri Vyas
  • Hybrid Electrically Conductive Fluid Distribution Separator Plate Assembly for Fuel Cells
    Publication number: 20110104589
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides an electrically conductive fluid distribution separator plate assembly, a method of making, and a system for using, the electrically conductive fluid distribution separator plate assembly. In at least one embodiment, the electrically conductive fluid distribution separator plate assembly comprises a metallic cathode plate having opposed surfaces and a first contact resistance, a polymeric composite anode plate adjacent to the metallic cathode plate, and a low contact resistance coating located on at least one of the surfaces of the plates, with the coating having a second contact resistance, less than the first contact resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Youssef M. Mikhail, Richard H. Blunk, John N. Owens, Daniel J. Lisli, Gayatri Vyas
  • Surface engineering of bipolar plate materials for better water management
    Patent number: 7897295
    Abstract: A flow field plate or bipolar plate for a fuel cell, where a surface of the flow field plate is textured or roughened to change the surface morphology of the plate. A conductive coating is deposited on the roughened surface where the roughness of the surface of the plate increases the hydrophilic nature of the coating. Therefore, if the coating is naturally hydrophobic, the surface roughness makes the coating hydrophilic to wick water away. If the coating is a conductive hydrophilic coating, then the surface roughness makes the coating super-hydrophilic, and may counter the effects of surface contamination that would act to make the hydrophilic coating less hydrophilic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gayatri Vyas, Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Youssef M. Mikhail, Thomas A. Trabold
  • Hybrid electrically conductive fluid distribution separator plate assembly for fuel cells
    Patent number: 7883819
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides an electrically conductive fluid distribution separator plate assembly, a method of making, and a system for using, the electrically conductive fluid distribution separator plate assembly. In at least one embodiment, the electrically conductive fluid distribution separator plate assembly comprises a metallic cathode plate having opposed surfaces and a first contact resistance, a polymeric composite anode plate adjacent to the metallic cathode plate, and a low contact resistance coating located on at least one of the surfaces of the plates, with the coating having a second contact resistance, less-than the first contact resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technologies Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Youssef M. Mikhail, Richard H. Blunk, John N. Owens, Daniel J. Lisi, Gayatri Vyas
  • LOW-COST MANGANESE-STABILIZED AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL ALLOYS, BIPOLAR PLATES COMPRISING THE ALLOYS, AND FUEL CELL SYSTEMS COMPRISING THE BIPOLAR PLATES
    Publication number: 20110008714
    Abstract: Corrosion resistant, manganese-stabilized austenitic stainless steels with a low nickel content are used in bipolar plates, methods for fabricating the bipolar plates, and polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells comprising the bipolar plates. The bipolar plates are formed from high-manganese austenitic stainless steels comprising, in weight percents, 4.0 to 35 manganese, 0.5 to 1.5 nickel, 17 to 20 chromium, 0.2 to 0.5 nitrogen, up to 0.075 carbon, 0.5 to 1.0 silicon, up to 0.1 aluminum, 0 to 0.005 sulfur, and balance iron and incidental impurities. The steels exhibit suitable corrosion resistance, electrical contact resistance, and mechanical properties for high-corrosion applications such as use in bipolar plate materials for PEM fuel cells. The bipolar plates may comprise a solid plate of the steel, optionally coated with a highly electrically conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Arianna T. Morales
  • SURFACE TREATED CARBON COATINGS FOR FLOW FIELD PLATES
    Publication number: 20100323276
    Abstract: A flow field plate having a low resistance coating for fuel cell applications is described. In one embodiment, the flow field plate includes a metal plate having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface defining a plurality of channels for directing flow of a first gaseous composition; and an activated carbon coating disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the plate, the activated carbon coating having a surface resistance of less than about 20 m?·cm2, the surface resistance being stable. Fuel cells incorporating the flow field plates and methods of making the flow field plates are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gayatri Vyas Dadheech, Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid
  • ELECTRICAL CONTACT ELEMENT FOR A FUEL CELL HAVING AN ULTRA-THIN CONDUCTIVE LAYER COATING
    Publication number: 20100316936
    Abstract: An electrically conductive fluid distribution element for use in a fuel cell includes a conductive metal substrate and a layer of conductive non-metallic porous media. The conductive non-metallic porous media has an electrically conductive material deposited along a surface in one or more metallized regions and having an average thickness less than about 40 nm. The metallized regions improve electrical conductance at contact regions between the metal substrate and the fluid distribution media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gayatri Vyas Dadheech, Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Youssef M. Mikhail
  • METHOD TO ENHANCE THE DURABILITY OF CONDUCTIVE CARBON COATING OF PEM FUEL CELL BIPOLAR PLATES
    Publication number: 20100304267
    Abstract: A fuel cell component includes an electrode support material made with nanofiber materials of Titania and ionomer. A bipolar plate stainless steel substrate and a carbon-containing layer doped with a metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, iridium, ruthenium, gold, palladium, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Youssef M. Mikhail, Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Gayatri Vyas Dadheech
  • Fuel cell water management enhancement method
    Patent number: 7842435
    Abstract: A method of enhancing water management capabilities of a fuel cell is disclosed. The method includes providing a fuel cell component having hydrophilic or weakly hydrophobic surfaces, increasing a hydrophobicity of at least one of said hydrophilic surfaces and assembling the fuel cell component into the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Yang-Tse Cheng, Gayatri Vyas, Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid
  • LOW CONTACT RESISTANCE COATED STAINLESS STEEL BIPOLAR PLATES FOR FUEL CELLS
    Publication number: 20100291464
    Abstract: A bipolar plate to reduce electrical contact resistance between the plate and a diffusion layer used in a fuel cell. The opposing surfaces of the plate define flow channels with upstanding lands interspersed between them. The lands of the plate form an electrically-conductive contact with a diffusion layer in the fuel cell. At least a portion of the electrically-conductive contact is made up of a nickel-based alloy that reduces the contact resistance between the plate and the diffusion layer as a way to achieve improved electric current density. In one form, the alloy can be used as the primary material in the plate, while in another, it can be used as a coating deposited onto a conventional stainless steel plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Gayatri Vyas Dadheech, Arianna T. Morales, Maria C. Militello