Abstract: A bipolar plate assembly with integrated seal for a fuel cell with a subassembly having a formed metal cathode plate bonded to a formed metal anode plate. On at least one of the plates, two raised continuous ridges are formed on the outward surface of and around the perimeter of the plate, thereby creating a channel to contain the seal. In this design, a substantial portion of the channel area on the inward surface of the plate is in direct contact with and supported by the other plate. The channel and hence the seal are thus well supported during molding and under compression in the assembled fuel cell. Further, ducts traversing the seal region can advantageously be formed without affecting the functioning of the seal.

Abstract: The reactant distribution in a gas diffusion layer adjacent the landings of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell can be improved by using a flow field plate in which suitable sequential protrusions have been incorporated in the channels. The reactant flow field in the plate comprises a plurality of parallel channels in which protrusions are arranged in a sequence along each channel's length and the sequential protrusions in any given channel are offset with respect to the sequential protrusions in the channels immediately adjacent thereto.

Abstract: Hybrid bipolar plate assemblies comprising a metal subassembly and a carbonaceous flow field insert can be used to provide for greater current densities from smaller volume fuel cell stacks. In particular, such hybrid bipolar plate assemblies allow for the combination of preferred oxidant channel structures, which can be formed in carbonaceous oxidant flow field inserts, with preferred smaller bipolar plate assembly thicknesses, which are possible with the use of metal plate subassemblies.

Abstract: The reactant distribution in a gas diffusion layer adjacent the landings of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell can be improved by using a flow field plate in which suitable sequential protrusions have been incorporated in the channels. The reactant flow field in the plate comprises a plurality of parallel channels in which protrusions are arranged in a sequence along each channel's length and the sequential protrusions in any given channel are offset with respect to the sequential protrusions in the channels immediately adjacent thereto.