Abstract: A fluid distribution insert adapted to be received within an inlet header of a fuel cell assembly. The fluid distribution insert includes a hollow insert with a first end and a second end. An inlet is formed at the first end of the hollow insert in fluid communication with a source of a reactant gas and adapted to receive the reactant gas therein. An outlet is formed intermediate the first end and the second end. The outlet is adapted to deliver the reactant gas to a plurality of fuel cells of the fuel cell assembly, wherein the hollow insert delivers the reactant gas to the fuel cells in a substantially simultaneous and uniform manner.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is disclosed including a fuel cell stack and pressure sensors, wherein bypass conduits having flow restriction devices disposed therein are provided for bypassing fluids around the fuel cell stack to militate against the accumulation of moisture in conduits in fluid communication with the pressure sensors.

Abstract: A fluid distribution insert adapted to be received within an inlet header of a fuel cell assembly. The fluid distribution insert includes a hollow insert with a first end and a second end. An inlet is formed at the first end of the hollow insert in fluid communication with a source of a reactant gas and adapted to receive the reactant gas therein. An outlet is formed intermediate the first end and the second end. The outlet is adapted to deliver the reactant gas to a plurality of fuel cells of the fuel cell assembly, wherein the hollow insert delivers the reactant gas to the fuel cells in a substantially simultaneous and uniform manner.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided having a fuel cell stack including a plurality of fuel cells. The fuel cell system includes an anode supply manifold in fluid communication with the plurality of fuel cells, the anode supply manifold adapted to deliver a anode supply stream to the plurality of fuel cells; an anode exhaust manifold in fluid communication with the anodes of the plurality of fuel cells, the anode exhaust manifold adapted to receive an anode exhaust stream from the plurality of fuel cells; a first valve in fluid communication with the anode supply manifold; and a second valve in fluid communication with the anode exhaust manifold. A method of starting the fuel cell system is also provided. The fuel cell system and method militates against a non-uniform distribution of the anode supply stream to the anodes of the plurality of fuel cells.

Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell is provided that includes a flowfield having an active surface with an inlet region and an outlet region. The active surface of the flowfield is in communication with the inlet region and the outlet region and has at least one flow channel formed therein. The at least one flow channel further has a cross-sectional area at the outlet region that is less than a cross-sectional area at the inlet region. In particular embodiments, the at least one flow channel is bifurcated. A fuel cell stack including a fuel cell and the bipolar plate is also provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is disclosed including a fuel cell stack and pressure sensors, wherein bypass conduits having flow restriction devices disposed therein are provided for bypassing fluids around the fuel cell stack to militate against the accumulation of moisture in conduits in fluid communication with the pressure sensors.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided having a fuel cell stack including a plurality of fuel cells. The fuel cell system includes an anode supply manifold in fluid communication with the plurality of fuel cells, the anode supply manifold adapted to deliver a anode supply stream to the plurality of fuel cells; an anode exhaust manifold in fluid communication with the anodes of the plurality of fuel cells, the anode exhaust manifold adapted to receive an anode exhaust stream from the plurality of fuel cells; a first valve in fluid communication with the anode supply manifold; and a second valve in fluid communication with the anode exhaust manifold. A method of starting the fuel cell system is also provided. The fuel cell system and method militates against a non-uniform distribution of the anode supply stream to the anodes of the plurality of fuel cells.

Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell is provided that includes a flowfield having an active surface with an inlet region and an outlet region. The active surface of the flowfield is in communication with the inlet region and the outlet region and has at least one flow channel formed therein. The at least one flow channel further has a cross-sectional area at the outlet region that is less than a cross-sectional area at the inlet region. In particular embodiments, the at least one flow channel is bifurcated. A fuel cell stack including a fuel cell and the bipolar plate is also provided.

Abstract: A bipolar plate for a PEM fuel cell is disclosed. The plate includes a plurality of channels, wherein the ends of the channels are staggered. The plate also includes a plurality of tunnels, wherein the ends of the tunnels are staggered. The plate further includes a cathode and an anode, wherein a portion of the cathode overhangs a portion of the anode. These staggered/offset features allow for an increase the capillary meniscus of water droplets passing therethrough, allowing for a reduction in the pressure required to move the water through the cell and out to the header volume of the stack.