Abstract: A bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell is provided. The bipolar plate assembly includes a cathode plate disposed adjacent an anode plate, the cathode and anode plates formed having a first thickness of a low contact resistance, high corrosion resistance material by a vapor deposition process. The first and second unipolar plates are formed on a removable substrate, and a first perimeter of the first unipolar plate is welded to a second perimeter of the second unipolar plate to form a hermetically sealed coolant flow path. A method for forming the bipolar plate assembly is also described.

Abstract: A method for operating a powertrain through selective application of a hydraulically actuated clutch includes monitoring a state of a pressure control switch operatively coupled the clutch, monitoring a hydraulic line pressure utilized by the pressure control switch to fill the clutch, determining a hydraulic flow rate flowing to the clutch based upon the state of the pressure control switch and the hydraulic line pressure, tracking a clutch fill volume of the clutch based upon the hydraulic flow rate, and controlling operation of the clutch based upon the clutch fill volume.