Abstract: A bipolar cooling plate module used in fuel cell stacks contains an anode-side terminal plate and a cathode-side terminal plate, in which at least one of the surfaces of the two terminal plates facing towards one another contains coolant channels. The two terminal plates are fixed to one another by an integral sealing element. The sealing element contains a sealing bead that surrounds the coolant distribution structure and seals the gap between the cooling surfaces of the two terminal plates. A compressible two-dimensional conducting element is inserted between the terminal plates, which extends only over the region of the cooling surfaces enclosed by the sealing groove, in which the coolant distribution structure is located. The element has a compression reserve that is sufficient to compensate for the shrinkage in thickness caused by cooling, of the sealing bead.

Abstract: A cooling plate module for fuel cell stacks contains an anode-side terminal plate and a cathode-side terminal plate, whose mutually facing surfaces functioning as cooling surfaces tightly enclose a coolant distribution structure and are joined to one another by a bonding agent. The bonding agent is applied to the cooling surfaces exclusively outside the coolant distribution structure surrounded by a seal, so that the bonding agent and coolant do not contact one another. Since the current transport between the terminal plates takes place principally via contact elements disposed in the coolant structure, it is not necessary for the bonding agent to be electrically conducting.

Abstract: A bipolar cooling plate module used in fuel cell stacks contains an anode-side terminal plate and a cathode-side terminal plate, in which at least one of the surfaces of the two terminal plates facing towards one another contains coolant channels. The two terminal plates are fixed to one another by an integral sealing element. The sealing element contains a sealing bead that surrounds the coolant distribution structure and seals the gap between the cooling surfaces of the two terminal plates. A compressible two-dimensional conducting element is inserted between the terminal plates, which extends only over the region of the cooling surfaces enclosed by the sealing groove, in which the coolant distribution structure is located. The element has a compression reserve that is sufficient to compensate for the shrinkage in thickness caused by cooling, of the sealing bead.

Abstract: A contact plate for electrochemical cells, formed of a graphite-thermoplastic composite with a graphite percentage of at least 80% by mass, containing functional elements necessary for the transport of reaction media and creating electrical contact with electrodes, has a fluid mechanical construction such that it can be produced in an injection molding process without secondary working. The production of edge areas of non-conductive material surrounding the contact plate, and seals, can be integrated into the injection molding process through the use of multi-component technology so that the entire plate including the edge area and seals can be produced in one injection mold.