Abstract: A flow field design for fuel cell is disclosed which optimizes water management for local operating conditions where the depth profile of the flow field varies from the reactant inlet to the reactant outlet and also varies across the flow field.

Abstract: An electrochemical fuel cell stack having staggered fuel and oxidant plenums is disclosed. This construction allows for reduced cell pitch without reducing plenum thickness and hence fluid flow.

Abstract: A fluid flow field plate for an electrochemical fuel cell that includes a planar body having a first surface, a second surface. More than one header opening extends between the first surface and the second surface to define a flowpath. At least one open flow field channel with an inlet port and an outlet port is provided in the first surface. Each outlet port is in fluid communication with one of the one header openings. At least one of the outlet port or the inlet port has a baffle extending into the flow path.

Abstract: A flow field plate assembly for use in a fuel cell, a plurality of which can form a fuel cell stack, comprises first and second flow field plates and a body comprising a porous medium interposed between the first and second flow field plates, the porous medium being operable to allow passage of a fuel and an oxygen-containing gas therethrough, and block from passage therethrough, a flow of liquids to prevent water collection and ice formation, which may block passages formed on at least a portion of the first and/or second flow field plates.

Abstract: A fuel cell separator having a first plate, the first plate including an active surface comprising a reactant flow field and a header fluidly connected thereto, an opposing non-active surface, and a header channel fluidly connected to the header, wherein the header further includes a recess directly fluidly connected to one end of the header channel, wherein the recess comprises a top perimeter and a side wall. In one embodiment, the header channel is formed on the active surface of the plate. In another embodiment, the header channel is formed on the non-active surface of the plate and the side wall of the header further comprises at least one fluid port fluidly connected to the end of the header channel.

Abstract: A contacting device comprising a non-metallic, electrically conductive elastomeric composition for providing reliable, corrosion resistant electrical contacts to fuel cell components. Such a contacting device is particularly suitable for measuring voltages at carbon separator plates in a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transporting accumulated water in a fuel cell system are disclosed. Briefly described, in one aspect, a system comprises a fuel cell flow field plate with at least one channel disposed on a surface of the fuel cell flow field plate, and at least one water management fin residing on a wall of the channel such that when the accumulated water is transported along the channel the water management fin guides the accumulated water.

Abstract: An improved flow field plate and methods related to the manufacture of the same. Flow field plates are at least partially coated with a low viscosity coating resin to increase mechanical strength and/or to decrease fluid permeability, and find particular utility for manufacturing thin, carbonaceous flow field plates for fuel cell stacks.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly with an improved integrated seal comprises an edge seal having an inboard pad attached to the edge of the electrodes, a flexible coupling adjacent the pad, and a sealing element adjacent the coupling. The sealing element is significantly thicker than the pad, and the flexible coupling isolates the pad from stress experienced in the sealing element. Thus, greater compression can be applied to the sealing element, thereby providing an improved and more reliable seal, without overly compressing and damaging the attached pad.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly with an improved integrated seal comprises an edge seal having an inboard pad attached to the edge of the electrodes, a flexible coupling adjacent the pad, and a sealing element adjacent the coupling. The sealing element is significantly thicker than the pad, and the flexible coupling isolates the pad from stress experienced in the sealing element. Thus, greater compression can be applied to the sealing element, thereby providing an improved and more reliable seal, without overly compressing and damaging the attached pad.

Abstract: Contamination of the ion-exchange membrane in an electrochemical fuel cell can significantly reduce the lifetime. One source of contamination is from sealant materials, particularly if the sealant is silicone and impregnated into the peripheral region of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and thus in close proximity to the ion-exchange membrane. Contamination may be reduced or eliminated by separating the electrochemical reaction and/or the ion-exchange membrane from the sealant material. In an embodiment, this is done by having the sealing region substantially free of active electrocatalyst particles (for example, selectively printing the catalyst to avoid the sealing region or poisoning catalyst in the sealing region). In another embodiment, a barrier film is interposed between the ion-exchange membrane and the sealant material impregnated into the MEA. In yet another embodiment, a barrier plug is impregnated into the fluid diffusion layer adjacent to the sealant material impregnated into the MEA.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly with an improved integrated seal comprises an edge seal having an inboard pad attached to the edge of the electrodes, a flexible coupling adjacent the pad, and a sealing element adjacent the coupling. The sealing element is significantly thicker than the pad, and the flexible coupling isolates the pad from stress experienced in the sealing element. Thus, greater compression can be applied to the sealing element, thereby providing an improved and more reliable seal, without overly compressing and damaging the attached pad.

Abstract: A contacting device comprising a non-metallic, electrically conductive elastomeric composition for providing reliable, corrosion resistant electrical contacts to fuel cell components. Such a contacting device is particularly suitable for measuring voltages at carbon separator plates in a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack.