Abstract: A membrane humidifier assembly for a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell system and a method for making the same is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of providing a material for forming a diffusion medium; forming a plurality of channels in the material with one of a channel-forming roller, a means for etching the material, and a press for forming the diffusion medium; and providing a pair of membranes, wherein the diffusion medium is disposed between the pair of membranes.

Abstract: A water vapor transfer unit having fluid flow conduits which distribute wet or dry fluid throughout the water vapor transfer unit, which are created by forming apertures in each wet and dry plate so that when the plates are stacked, fluid flow inlet and outlet headers are integrated into the flow stack. These integrated headers negate the need for traditional wet and dry fluid inlet and outlet manifolds external to the water vapor transfer unit stack. Because the plates are stacked and sealed so that the fluid flows cannot co-mingle, the fluids are introduced directly into the stack, flow across the flow fields, and exit the stack without leakage or flow contamination. The integrated header design allows for sealing the stack on no more than a single plane defined by the stack or on no more than two parallel opposing planes and allows for accommodation of stack expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A membrane humidifier assembly for a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell system and a method for making the same is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of providing a material for forming a diffusion medium; forming a plurality of channels in the material with one of a channel-forming roller, a means for etching the material, and a press for forming the diffusion medium; and providing a pair of membranes, wherein the diffusion medium is disposed between the pair of membranes.

Abstract: A membrane humidifier assembly for a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell system and a method for making the same is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of providing a material for forming a diffusion medium; forming a plurality of channels in the material with one of a channel-forming roller, a means for etching the material, and a press for forming the diffusion medium; and providing a pair of membranes, wherein the diffusion medium is disposed between the pair of membranes.

Abstract: A water vapor transfer unit having fluid flow conduits which distribute wet or dry fluid throughout the water vapor transfer unit, which are created by forming apertures in each wet and dry plate so that when the plates are stacked, fluid flow inlet and outlet headers are integrated into the flow stack. These integrated headers negate the need for traditional wet and dry fluid inlet and outlet manifolds external to the water vapor transfer unit stack. Because the plates are stacked and sealed so that the fluid flows cannot co-mingle, the fluids are introduced directly into the stack, flow across the flow fields, and exit the stack without leakage or flow contamination. The integrated header design allows for sealing the stack on no more than a single plane defined by the stack or on no more than two parallel opposing planes and allows for accommodation of stack expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A water vapor transfer device for a fuel cell includes a pair of diffusion medium layers, a pair of edge strips, an array of elongate cords, and a pair of polymer membranes. One of the edge strips is disposed between the first edges of the diffusion medium layers. Another of the edge strips is disposed adjacent the second edge of each of the diffusion medium layers. The edge strips are bonded to each of the diffusion medium layers with a hot-melt adhesive. The elongate cords are disposed between the diffusion medium layers and intermediate the edge strips. The elongate cords are bonded to each of the diffusion medium layers with a hot-melt adhesive and define a plurality of flow channels between the diffusion medium layers. The polymer membranes are bonded to the diffusion medium layers adjacent the edge strips with the hot-melt adhesive from the edge strips.

Abstract: A membrane humidifier assembly for a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell system and a method for making the same is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of providing a material for forming a diffusion medium; forming a plurality of channels in the material with one of a channel-forming roller, a means for etching the material, and a press for forming the diffusion medium; and providing a pair of membranes, wherein the diffusion medium is disposed between the pair of membranes.

Abstract: A water vapor transfer device for a fuel cell includes a pair of diffusion medium layers, a pair of edge strips, an array of elongate cords, and a pair of polymer membranes. One of the edge strips is disposed between the first edges of the diffusion medium layers. Another of the edge strips is disposed adjacent the second edge of each of the diffusion medium layers. The edge strips are bonded to each of the diffusion medium layers with a hot-melt adhesive. The elongate cords are disposed between the diffusion medium layers and intermediate the edge strips. The elongate cords are bonded to each of the diffusion medium layers with a hot-melt adhesive and define a plurality of flow channels between the diffusion medium layers. The polymer membranes are bonded to the diffusion medium layers adjacent the edge strips with the hot-melt adhesive from the edge strips.

Abstract: A container is disclosed including a plurality of seal blocks adapted to militate against the entry of a fluid into coolant channel headers formed in bipolar plates during a dip coating process, wherein the seal blocks are interconnected and include a fastening portion and a sealing portion, the sealing portion capable of being interchanged.

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.

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.

Abstract: A container is disclosed including a plurality of seal blocks adapted to militate against the entry of a fluid into coolant channel headers formed in bipolar plates during a dip coating process, wherein the seal blocks are interconnected and include a fastening portion and a sealing portion, the sealing portion capable of being interchanged.

Abstract: A method of making a fuel cell component using a mask, which is removed after further processing to yield a surface with variable properties.