Abstract: A fuel cell including a stack of electrochemical cells and end plates applying a tightening strain onto the electrochemical cells, a thermal management system formed by a heat transfer fluid flow circuit in the stack, and a heat transfer fluid flow circuit external to the stack. The heat transfer flow circuit and the external circuit are connected in one of the end plates. The external circuit includes a first subcircuit including a heat exchanger and a second subcircuit directly connected to the inlet of the internal circuit. A thermostatic valve Is integrated in the end plate to control the heat transfer fluid flow in one and/or the other of the subcircuits as a function of temperature of the fluid at the outlet of the internal circuit.

Abstract: A fuel cell including a stack of electrochemical cells and end plates applying a tightening strain onto the electrochemical cells, a thermal management system formed by a heat transfer fluid flow circuit in the stack, and a heat transfer fluid flow circuit external to the stack. The heat transfer flow circuit and the external circuit are connected in one of the end plates. The external circuit includes a first subcircuit including a heat exchanger and a second subcircuit directly connected to the inlet of the internal circuit. A thermostatic valve is integrated in the end plate to control the heat transfer fluid flow in one and/or the other of the subcircuits as a function of temperature of the fluid at the outlet of the internal circuit.

Abstract: A flat fuel cell including: at least two unit cells, a casing provided with supports for each of said unit cells, said supports offering a bearing surface to a periphery of the unit cells, a sealing member interposed between the periphery of each unit cell and the surface of an associated support, and a cover forming a compression element coming into abutment on the periphery of each unit cell opposite the sealing member and cooperating directly with the associated support in order to provide compression of the sealing member.

Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell including a first through-hole positioned within one of its peripheral edges for circulating a reactive fluid, an anode compartment extending at one of its two main faces, and a cathode compartment extending at the opposite main face. At least one of the compartments is formed completely or partially by a region recessed with respect to the corresponding main face. The recessed region is connected to the through-hole via an intake channel that is recessed within the peripheral edge of the corresponding main face for the reactive fluid to flow into the compartment. A second through-hole located near the first through-hole is provided and is intended for circulating the reactive fluid. The main face opposite the face housing the recessed region comprises a generally non-emergent groove that connects the first and second through-holes.

Abstract: Flat fuel cell comprising at least two unit cells, a casing provided with supports for each of said unit cells, said supports offering a bearing surface to a periphery of the unit cells, sealing means interposed between the periphery of each unit cell and the surface of an associated support, and a cover forming a compression element coming into abutment on the periphery of each unit cell opposite the sealing means and cooperating directly with the associated support in order to provide compression of the sealing means.

Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell including a first through-hole positioned within one of its peripheral edges for circulating a reactive fluid, an anode compartment extending at one of its two main faces, and a cathode compartment extending at the opposite main face. At least one of the compartments is formed completely or partially by a region recessed with respect to the corresponding main face. The recessed region is connected to the through-hole via an intake channel that is recessed within the peripheral edge of the corresponding main face for the reactive fluid to flow into the compartment. A second through-hole located near the first through-hole is provided and is intended for circulating the reactive fluid. The main face opposite the face housing the recessed region comprises a generally non-emergent groove that connects the first and second through-holes.