Abstract: In a solid electrolyte polymer fuel cell system, a fuel cell includes ribs integrally formed with an anode or an anode chamber, ribs integrally formed with a cathode or cathode chamber, and a water distributor. The water distributor may be a beam provided with slits, an electroconductive body, a wick, or a combination of the beam with slits and a hydrophilic body. Fuel gas and water distributed by the water distributor are passed through the ribs of the ribbed anode or ribbed anode chamber to provide sufficient hydrogen ions and water of inclusion with the solid polymer electrolyte. Oxidizer gas and water to be discharged are passed through the ribs of the ribbed cathode or ribbed cathode chamber. Water is discharged efficiently.

Abstract: In a solid electrolyte polymer fuel cell system, a fuel cell includes ribs integrally formed with an anode or an anode chamber, ribs integrally formed with a cathode or cathode chamber, and a water distributor. The water distributor may be a beam provided with slits, an electroconductive body, a wick, or a combination of the beam with slits and a hydrophilic body. Fuel gas and water distributed by the water distributor are passed through the ribs of the ribbed anode or ribbed anode chamber to provide sufficient hydrogen ions and water of inclusion with the solid polymer electrolyte. Oxidizer gas and water to be discharged are passed through the ribs of the ribbed cathode or ribbed cathode chamber. Water is discharged efficiently.

Abstract: In a solid electrolyte fuel cell, reactant gases are directed by the reactant gas distributing means to flow radially between its central and peripheral portions and this obviates the need to provide an overall gas seal between the individual components of the fuel cell. A gas seal, if necessary at all, may be provided in selected areas. This permits the individual members of the fuel cell to freely slide with respect to one another during thermal expansion or contraction. The radial flow of reactant gas streams effectively reduces the travel path, and hence the concentration gradient, of the reactant gases. This contributes to the accomplishment of a solid electrolyte fuel cell having improved reliability and characteristics. As a further advantage, the discharged reactant gases may be burnt in a combustion chamber and a solid electrolyte fuel cell having a higher thermal efficiency can be realized by making use of the resulting heat of combustion.