Abstract: Disclosed are fuel cell coupled refrigeration systems and to the use of fuel cells to provide thermal energy to a refrigeration system. More particularly, a heat exchanger couples, directly or indirectly, to a fuel cell and a heat driven refrigeration system to transfer at least a portion of thermal energy generated by the fuel cell to the refrigeration system, thereby driving a refrigeration cycle of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: A high temperature proton exchange medium (PEM) fuel stack system includes features for enhancing the thermal management of the fuel cell. The fuel cell can include a plurality of membrane-electrode-assemblies (MEA) separated by bipolar plates. The upper and lower edges of the bipolar plates are configured such that a plurality of fins is formed therein. Air can be passed along the fins in the upper edges of the plates and along the fins in the lower edges in opposite directions. A plurality of channels is formed on one or both surfaces of the bipolar plates. The channels extend along a serpentine path. Except for the end plates, hydrogen is supplied to the channels on one side of each plate and air is supplied to the channels on the channels on the opposite side of each plate. Such features keep the fuel cell within acceptable temperature limits during operation.