Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a membrane electrode assembly, a first plate separator and a second plate separator on opposite sides of the membrane electrode assembly. The first plate separator and the second plate separator have exterior ends away from the membrane electrode assembly. A first gas diffusion layer is located between the first plate separator and the membrane electrode assembly. A second gas diffusion layer is located between the second plate separator and the membrane electrode assembly. The sub-gasket extends from the membrane electrode assembly laterally toward at least one of the exterior ends. A first seal is located between the first plate separator and the sub-gasket. A conductive trace is attached to the sub-gasket and extends on the sub-gasket from an exterior side of the first seal to a location on an interior side of the first seal.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, a first plate separator and a second plate separator on opposite sides of the membrane electrode assembly and a voltage sensor for detecting a cell voltage relative to opposite sides of the membrane electrode assembly. A transmitter is coupled to the sensor and configured to wirelessly transmit an indication of the cell voltage.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a membrane electrode assembly, a first plate separator and a second plate separator on opposite sides of the membrane electrode assembly. The first plate separator and the second plate separator have exterior ends away from the membrane electrode assembly. A first gas diffusion layer is located between the first plate separator and the membrane electrode assembly. A second gas diffusion layer is located between the second plate separator and the membrane electrode assembly. The sub-gasket extends from the membrane electrode assembly laterally toward at least one of the exterior ends. A first seal is located between the first plate separator and the sub-gasket. A conductive trace is attached to the sub-gasket and extends on the sub-gasket from an exterior side of the first seal to a location on an interior side of the first seal.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a first electrically non-conductive sheet portion having a coolant flow layer in an opening thereof, a first non-stamped, flat, metal separator on a first side of the coolant flow layer and a second non-stamped, flat, metal separator on a second side of the coolant flow layer opposite the first separator. A membrane is received in an opening of a second electrically non-conductive sheet portion. Gas diffusion layers are located on opposite sides of the membrane. The gas diffusion layers have channels open toward the first non-stamped, flat, metal separator or the second non-stamped, flat, metal separator to allow flow of an oxidant and/or fuel therethrough.

Abstract: A fuel cell including a water blocking layer positioned between anode gas flow channels and a gas diffusion media. The blocking layer prevents water from propagating through the gas diffusion media layer and entering the anode flow channels, while allowing gas from the flow channels to flow through the diffusion media layer to the membrane. A water accumulation channel can be provided around the perimeter of the gas diffusion media layer where blocked water is accumulated, and allowed to expand during cell freezing. A porous capillary wick can be provided in the accumulation channel for wicking water to the inlet end of the flow channels where it is used to humidify the anode gas coming into the fuel cell. The wick can have a tapered configuration so that it has a larger diameter at the gas input end of the flow channels.

Abstract: An assembly for a fuel cell including an electrically conductive fluid distribution element including a flow field disposed on a surface of the element, wherein the flow field includes a plurality of channels for carrying the gaseous reactants of the fuel cell. The assembly also includes an electrically conductive member disposed at the surface of the element to serve as a gas diffusion media. The channels of the element include a plurality of sidewalls formed in various orientations, and the orientations of the side-walls form a cross-sectional geometry of the channel such that water collection regions are formed at an interface of the electrically conductive fluid distribution element and the electrically conductive member, and at a bottom portion of the channel.