Abstract: A fuel cell module comprises: at least one cell stack including a plurality of single fuel cells supplied with a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas to generate power; a sealable housing accommodating the at least one cell stack and forming a power generation chamber inside the housing; a pressure vessel accommodating the housing; and an oxidizing gas supply pipe for supplying the oxidizing gas to the cell stack. At least one pressure equalizing opening is formed in the housing to allow communication between inside and outside of the housing. The at least one pressure equalizing opening includes only one pressure equalizing opening, or a plurality of pressure equalizing openings in which a distance between a pressure equalizing opening in the highest position and a pressure equalizing opening in the lowest position is within 0.1H, where H is a height of the housing.

Abstract: A motor vehicle comprises a drive train with an electric motor, to which a traction battery and a power electronics device comprising at least one pulse inverter are associated, and a cooling device for cooling the electric motor, the power electronics device and the traction battery, wherein the electric motor is cooled in a first cooling circuit with coolant of a first maximum temperature in the supply flow, wherein the power electronics device is cooled in a second coolant circuit, which is separate from the first coolant circuit, using coolant of a second maximum temperature in the supply flow, which is lower than the first maximum temperature.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes: a substrate; a first fuel cell including a fuel side electrode, an electrolyte, and an oxygen side electrode on the substrate, the first fuel cell being a single fuel cell; a second fuel cell including a fuel side electrode, an electrolyte, and an oxygen side electrode on the substrate, the second fuel cell being a single fuel cell; an interconnector film electrically connecting the fuel side electrode of the first fuel cell and the oxygen side electrode of the second fuel cell; and a porous ceramic film covering at least the interconnector film in a region between the fuel side electrode of the first fuel cell and the fuel side electrode of the second fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly, a heat pipe for such a fuel cell assembly, and a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell assembly includes a fuel cell having an MEA structure, and a pair of heat pipe separator plates in physical and thermal contact with a planar surface of the fuel cell. Each heat pipe separator plate includes an external heat transfer fin to dissipate a portion of the heat generated by the fuel cell through exposed outer peripheral edges thereof. Each heat pipe separator plate also includes voids formed in an interior planar surface thereof, to be aligned with voids of other heat pipe separator plates when the fuel cell assembly is arranged in a stack. Upper voids are to define upper interior channels in fluid communication with a portion of the air stream supplied to the cathode. A heat transfer insert is arranged in the upper voids, and includes internal heat transfer fins to dissipate another portion of the heat into the upper interior channels for contact with the air stream.

Abstract: A fuel cell has a gas diffusion layer and a separator plate. The separator plate forms, together with the gas diffusion layer, at least one gas-conducting flow field. At least one channel web of the separator plate has an end with an upper face and an end face. The end face is designed to divide a flow impinging on the end face of the channel web in a first direction into two partial flows. The end face is designed to deflect a liquid of the flow impinging on the end face adjacently to the upper face in such a manner that the liquid is spaced further from the upper face after deflection than before deflection.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack assembly and method of operating the same are provided. The assembly includes a fuel cell stack column and side baffles disposed on opposing sides of the column. The side baffles and the fuel cell stack may have substantially the same coefficient of thermal expansion at room temperature. The side baffles may have a laminate structure in which one or more channels are formed.

Abstract: A pressurized electrochemical battery and process for manufacturing the same, which comprises several connectors to at least one electrochemical cell with several electrical energy collectors that are connected to the connectors, with the electrochemical cell comprising several electrode sheets and several solid electrolyte sheets inserted between the electrode sheets, and at least one deformable chamber arranged in contact with the electrochemical cell, with the deformable chamber supplied with a fluid that deforms the chamber to apply pressure to the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A method for producing a metallic interconnector for a fuel cell stack, including an air guiding surface with a first gas distributor structure and a fuel gas guiding surface with a second gas distributor structure, the first gas distributor structure and the second gas distributor structure each formed by grooves and webs, includes providing a sheet metal blank, forming the sheet metal blank by a plastic molding process, the first gas distributor structure and the second gas distributor structure being formed in such a manner that the grooves and webs of the first gas distributor structure are arranged complementary to the grooves and webs of the second gas distributor structure at a predeterminable percentage of area of the air guiding surface and the fuel gas guiding surface of at least 50% and at most 99%.

Abstract: Provided is a fuel cell system including a fuel cell module that includes a fuel cell and a reformer. The fuel cell system includes: a housing including a high temperature chamber in which the fuel cell module is disposed, and a low temperature chamber in which a gas supply system configured to supply a fuel and an oxidant to the fuel cell module is disposed; and a heat insulating partition wall that partitions a section of the housing to define the high temperature chamber and the low temperature chamber and that is formed with supply passages configured to allow supply of the fuel and the oxidant to the fuel cell module by the gas supply system.

Abstract: A pipe of a fuel cell system includes a pipe, one end side of which is connected to a fuel cell stack, and another end side of which is positioned adjacent to a vehicle structural component, through which water, and discharge air of a product that contains water vapor, which are produced by the fuel cell stack, flow; and a spray portion that is provided on the other end side of the pipe, and that sprays the water and the discharge air flowing through the pipe onto the vehicle structural component.

Abstract: A method and system for high temperature fuel cell system or electrolysis cell are disclosed which include recirculating a fraction of gas exhausted from at least one of sides an anode side and a cathode side; accomplishing a desired flow rate of the recirculated flow by using an ejector via at least one primary feedstock fluid to a nozzle of the ejector, which nozzle has a convergent-divergent flow channel through which fluid is expanded from an initial higher pressure to lower pressure; providing supplementary fluid to the nozzle of the ejector; regulating respective ratio of the fluids of the ejector to maintain a desired motive flow and pressure at the nozzle of the ejector in order to accomplish desired recirculated flow rate; and cutting off the supplementary fluid when a level of system loading is the primary feedstock fluid alone maintains desired flow and pressure at ejector inlet.

Abstract: A fuel cell device (1) including an anode-gas path (3) and a method for operating a fuel cell device (1). In order to wet an anode of the fuel cell device (1) in a simple manner, an anode-gas drainage section (13) of the fuel cell device (1) is connected to an anode-gas supply section (7) of the fuel cell device (1) in a water-conducting manner and water is added to an anode-gas that is carried to the fuel cell (2).

Abstract: Multiple gas inlet or outlets for a SOC unit is provided by stacked layers with cut outs for gas channels which overlap.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a main body which is formed by stacking a cathode layer, an electrolyte layer, and an anode layer, in which the surface of one of the cathode and anode layers serves as a first main surface, and the surface of the other layer serves as a second main surface; a first current collector in contact with the first main surface; and a second current collector in contact with the second main surface. As viewed in a thickness direction, at least a portion of the boundary of a second region of the second current collector corresponding to the second main surface is located within a first region of the first current collector corresponding to the first main surface, and the remaining portion is located within the first region or on the boundary of the first region.

Abstract: A modular fuel cell system includes a metal base, a plurality of power modules arranged in a row on the base, a fuel processing module and a power conditioning module arranged on at least one end of the row on the base. Each of the plurality of power modules includes a separate cabinet comprising at least one fuel cell stack located in a hot box. The power modules are electrically and fluidly connected to the fuel processing and the power conditioning modules through the base.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly comprising an enclosure having a fuel cell stack mounted therein. The fuel cell stack has an inlet face for receiving coolant/oxidant fluid and an outlet face for expelling said coolant/oxidant fluid. The fuel cell stack further includes a pair of end faces extending transversely between the inlet face and outlet face. The enclosure defines a flow path for the coolant/oxidant fluid that is configured to guide the coolant/oxidant fluid to the inlet face, from the outlet face, and over at least one of the end faces.

Abstract: A water vapor transfer unit having fluid flow conduits which distribute wet or dry fluid throughout the water vapor transfer unit, which are created by forming apertures in each wet and dry plate so that when the plates are stacked, fluid flow inlet and outlet headers are integrated into the flow stack. These integrated headers negate the need for traditional wet and dry fluid inlet and outlet manifolds external to the water vapor transfer unit stack. Because the plates are stacked and sealed so that the fluid flows cannot co-mingle, the fluids are introduced directly into the stack, flow across the flow fields, and exit the stack without leakage or flow contamination. The integrated header design allows for sealing the stack on no more than a single plane defined by the stack or on no more than two parallel opposing planes and allows for accommodation of stack expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises a compressor configured to supply the cathode gas to the fuel cell, an intercooler provided downstream of the compressor and configured to cool the cathode gas discharged from the compressor, a pressure regulating valve configured to adjust a pressure downstream of the intercooler, and a controller. The controller computes a first target pressure of the intercooler downstream pressure according to a target output of the fuel cell and computes a second target pressure of the intercooler downstream pressure according to the intercooler downstream temperature. Then, the controller sets smaller one of the first and second target pressures as a target pressure of the intercooler downstream pressure and controls the compressor and the pressure regulating valve according to the target pressure.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to provide an aluminum base for a current collector, which enables the production of a secondary battery having excellent cycle properties; and a current collector, a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a secondary battery, each of which is produced using the aluminum base. The aluminum base for a current collector has a surface in which at least two structures selected from the group consisting of a large-wave structure having an average opening size of more than 5 ?m but up to 100 ?m, a medium-wave structure having an average opening size of more than 0.5 ?m but up to 5 ?m, and a small-wave structure having an average opening size of more than 0.01 ?m but up to 0.5 ?m are superimposed on one another, wherein a maximum peak-to-valley height Pt of a profile curve of the surface is up to 10 ?m.

Abstract: A high efficiency fuel cell system adapted to receive flue gas from a flue gas generating device and to capture carbon dioxide from the flue gas, the high efficiency fuel cell system comprising a topping fuel cell assembly comprising a topping cathode portion and a topping anode portion, a bottoming fuel cell assembly comprising a bottoming cathode portion and a bottoming anode portion, wherein the bottoming anode portion receives anode exhaust output from the topping anode portion, and a separation assembly configured to receive carbon dioxide-containing exhaust and to separate carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide-containing exhaust, wherein the carbon dioxide-containing exhaust is one of anode exhaust output from the bottoming anode portion and a gas derived from the anode exhaust output from the bottoming anode portion, and wherein at least one of the topping cathode portion and the bottoming cathode portion receives at least a portion of the flue gas output from the flue gas generating device.

Abstract: A battery module 100 includes a plurality of cells 10, wherein a cooling unit 20 in which a coolant is sealed is disposed in the vicinity of the cells 10, the coolant is liquid adjusted to have a viscosity within the range of 2 Pa·s to 350 Pa·s, and the cooling unit 20 includes an unsealable portion 23 which is partially unsealed to release the coolant when at least one of the cells 10 abnormally generates heat.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel cell apparatus includes a fuel cell stack configured to take in air as a reaction gas and a coolant through an air intake aperture area, and discharge temperature-raised air through air discharging aperture areas. An air suction duct, air discharge ducts, and air discharge fans take in air to the air suction duct. The air discharge ducts have air discharge ports in the vicinity of the air suction duct. The air suction duct is formed with first air intake ports opening at its upstream end portion, and second air intake ports opening at locations nearer to the air discharge ports of the air discharge ducts than the first air intake ports. The second air intake ports are provided with shutters. The arrangement provides a vehicle fuel cell apparatus having enhanced operability in situations involving low-temperature outside air, and allows for enhanced mountability to vehicles.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly comprising a plurality of fuel cell plates in a stack. The stack defines an air inlet face and/or an air outlet face; and two opposing engagement faces. The fuel cell assembly also comprises a detachable cover configured to releasably engage the two engagement faces in order to define an air chamber with the air inlet or outlet face.

Abstract: A PEM fuel system includes a fuel cell stack comprising one or more PEM fuel cells and fan configured to provide process air to supply oxidizer to and cool the fuel cell stack. The system has an air duct coupled to the fan and the fuel cell stack, and an electrical service load coupled to the fuel cell stack for receiving electrical power generated from reactions within the fuel cell stack. The system further includes as auxiliary electrical load coupled to the fuel cell stack and located within the air duct to reduce potentials across the fuel cell stack. The air duct is configured to direct the flow of air to the fuel cell stack and auxiliary electrical load to provide cooling air to the fuel cell stack and auxiliary electrical load.

Abstract: Methods are provided for creating and operating data centers. A data center may include an information technology (IT) load and a fuel cell generator configured to provide power to the IT load.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the thermal management of a high temperature fuel cell. According to embodiments described herein, a non-reactant coolant is routed into a fuel cell from a compressor or a ram air source. The non-reactant coolant absorbs waste heat from the electrochemical reaction within the fuel cell. The heated coolant is discharged from the fuel cell and is vented to the surrounding environment or directed through a turbine. The energy recouped from the heated coolant by the turbine may be used to drive the compressor or a generator to create additional electricity and increase the efficiency of the fuel cell system. A portion of the heated coolant may be recycled into the non-reactant coolant entering the fuel cell to prevent thermal shock of the fuel cell.

Abstract: An exhaust-air guide of a fuel cell stack having a cooling structure, in particular in a motor vehicle, is provided. The cooler structure belongs to the functional environment of the fuel cell stack and is in form through which ambient air flows. The exhaust air of the fuel cell stack is guided to a point upstream of the cooler structure such that the exhaust air flows through the cooler structure in a throughflow direction and, in so doing, entrains ambient air in accordance with the jet pump principle. The exhaust air of the fuel cell stack may be cooled before being guided to the cooler structure. The exhaust air of the fuel cell stack is guided to a point upstream of the cooler structure in multiple pipes that are oriented at least approximately parallel to the inflow surface of the cooler structure, from which pipes the exhaust air emerges via outlet openings in the pipe wall. The outlet openings are situated at a suitable angle with respect to the throughflow direction.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprises a plurality of stacked cells each having an ionic conductive electrolyte membrane, an anode placed on one side of the electrolyte membrane, a cathode placed on the other side of the electrolyte membrane, and a conductive separator on which a first refrigerant channel for flow of a refrigerant is formed in center part thereof. The separator comprises penetration holes constituting a manifold which extend in a direction of stacking of the plurality of cells and through which the refrigerant flows and second refrigerant channels for communication between the penetration holes and the first refrigerant channel. A plurality of protrusions that protrude into the penetration holes from parts of wall surfaces of the penetration holes that are located peripherally in connection parts between the penetration holes and the second refrigerant channels.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to efficiently mount a fuel cell system below a floor of a vehicle rear portion and to protect the fuel cell system when a forward impact force acts on a vehicle rear portion. To achieve this, a fuel cell vehicle in which a fuel cell system includes a gas tank is configured to store a fuel gas and a fuel cell unit formed by integrating a fuel cell stack, an intake duct, and an exhaust duct, the gas tank is disposed in a space below a rear floor connected to a front floor via a vertical wall portion and adjacent to the vertical wall portion, and the fuel cell unit is disposed behind the gas tank.

Abstract: A bipolar fuel cell plate (300) for use in a fuel cell comprising a plurality of flow field channels (704) and a coolant distribution structure (708) formed as part of the fluid flow field plate. The coolant distribution structure is configured to direct coolant droplets (701) into the flow field channels. The coolant distribution structure comprises one or more elements (710) associated with one or more flow field channels, the elements having a first surface (712) for receiving a coolant droplet and a second surface (714) having a shape that defines a coolant droplet detachment region for directing a coolant droplet into the associated field flow channel.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack and a fuel cell system, the fuel cell stack including a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies, the membrane electrode assemblies being configured to generate electrical energy by an electrochemical reaction of a fuel and an oxidizer; and a plurality of bipolar plates positioned adjacent to the membrane electrode assemblies and between the membrane electrode assemblies, the bipolar plates including a fuel channel at one side thereof and an oxidizer channel at a second, opposite side thereof, wherein the bipolar plates include a plurality of cooling channels penetrating therethrough, the cooling channels having a curvature along a length thereof.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly comprising an enclosure having a fuel cell stack mounted therein. The fuel cell stack has an inlet face for receiving coolant/oxidant fluid and an outlet face for expelling said coolant/oxidant fluid. The fuel cell stack further includes a pair of end faces extending transversely between the inlet face and outlet face. The enclosure defines a flow path for the coolant/oxidant fluid that is configured to guide the coolant/oxidant fluid to the inlet face, from the outlet face, and over at least one of the end faces.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly comprising an enclosure having a fuel cell stack mounted therein, and an inlet opening into the enclosure. The fuel cell stack having an inlet face for receiving coolant/oxidant fluid. The fuel cell assembly further comprises a delivery gallery extending from the inlet in the enclosure to the inlet face of the fuel cell stack, the delivery gallery having a first region and a second region separated by an aperture. The delivery gallery and aperture are configured such that, in use, coolant/oxidant fluid within the first region of the delivery gallery is turbulent, and coolant/oxidant fluid within the second region of the delivery gallery has a generally uniform pressure.

Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle air-conditioning apparatus includes: a cooling system that adjusts a temperature of a fuel cell; a waste heat collection unit that collects at least a part of waste heat from the fuel cell and uses the collected waste heat to heat a cabin interior of the fuel cell vehicle; and a heat creation unit that creates heat for heating the fuel cell vehicle. The fuel cell vehicle air-conditioning apparatus calculates a fuel consumption amount required for the fuel cell to generate a total power generation amount, which is a sum of a heating power generation amount and a travel power generation amount, calculates an optimum temperature, which is a temperature of the fuel cell at which the fuel consumption amount reaches a minimum, and controls the cooling system such that the temperature of the fuel cell reaches the optimum temperature.

Abstract: A case configuring a fuel cell system is divided into a module section, a first fluid supply section, a second fluid supply section, and an electric section. The electric section is provided with a first intake vent for intake of an oxidant gas from outside the case into the electric section. The second fluid supply section is provided with a second intake vent for intake of the oxidant gas subjected to intake from the first intake vent, into an oxidant gas supply device. The case is internally provided with first and second internal partitions which generate a bypass path for blocking straight flow of the oxidant gas from the first intake vent to the second intake vent.

Abstract: An electrochemical system including a stack of a longitudinal axis with alternating ceramic cells and interconnectors and including a thermal management mechanism incorporated in the stack, the thermal management mechanism including plates having a structured lateral surface through which a thermal transfer by radiation towards outside of the stack takes place.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell stack which can reduce variation in temperature distribution of whole cells by a simple change in the structure of a coolant inlet manifold and a coolant outlet manifold in the fuel cell stack without the use of a conventional insulator, which increases the thickness of the fuel cell stack, a heater, which requires a power supply and its control logic, or a cover for forming an air layer for thermal insulation, which disadvantageously prevents the heat generated in the electrode from being transferred to the end plate.

Abstract: An exemplary fuel cell system includes a cell stack assembly having a plurality of cathode components and a plurality of anode components. A first reactant blower has an outlet situated to provide a first reactant to the cathode components. A second reactant blower has an outlet situated to provide a second reactant to the anode components. The second reactant blower includes a fan portion that moves the second reactant through the outlet. The second reactant blower also includes a motor portion that drives the fan portion and a bearing portion associated with the fan portion and the motor portion. The motor portion has a motor coolant inlet coupled with the outlet of the first reactant blower to receive some of the first reactant for cooling the motor portion.

Abstract: An evaporative humidifier for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell system including a fuel cell stack, comprising: a condensation channel to which exhaust gas from the fuel cell stack is introduced; an evaporation channel to which supply gas for the fuel cell stack is introduced; a partition wall for separating the condensation channel and the evaporation channel from each other; and a water distribution unit for supplying water into the evaporation channel, wherein the water is condensed in the condensation channel by heat exchange between the exhaust gas and the supply gas.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte fuel cell system includes a reformer to produce a hydrogen-rich reformed gas from fuel, oxygen and water, and a stack structure including a stack of fuel cell units each receiving supply of the reformed gas and air, and producing electricity. The fuel cell system further includes a reformed gas cooler to cool the reformed gas supplied from the reformer to the stack structure, and a temperature control section to control operation of the reformed gas cooler in accordance with an operating condition such as a request output of the stack structure. The reformed gas cooler includes a device such as a heat exchanger for cooling the reformed gas with a coolant such as air.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes at least one cooling channel that extends between a housing and a fuel cell stack disposed within the housing. The cooling channel has an inlet and an outlet for producing a gas flow in the cooling channel. As a result, a gas flow may be used for cooling and at the same time may be used for ventilation of the cathode.

Abstract: Battery of fuel cells comprises at least one stack of interconnected flat two-sided fuel cells arranged inside the thermally insulated chamber. Each two-sided cell is made in a form of a ceramic plate with individual connections for the supply and drainage of fluids and electric power output, and is equipped with the central ceramic anode structure with high electrical conductivity which, on both sides, has channels formed for distribution of fuel and operating channels covered with operating anode layers, which are then covered with solid electrolyte layers, cathode layers and cathode conductive layers. Each two-sided cell (DFC) makes mechanical contact with the neighboring two-sided cells (DFC) with flexible separators which enable transfer of the fuel and catalytic combustion products. Furthermore, inside the thermally insulated chamber, temperature-controlling elements are located, such as heaters, heat absorbers and devices forcing air circulation.

Abstract: The grill shutter is disposed between the front grill and the air intake duct. The grill shutter is capable of opening or closing shutter members and regulating positions of the shutter members when being opened. When a maximum supplied flow rate of air provided by the wind during running is greater than a flow rate of air required for the hydrogen fuel battery, the required flow rate of air is established only by opening/closing control of the shutter members through a grill shutter opening instruction. If this is not the case, the grill shutter members are opened fully through the grill shutter opening instruction to maximize the volume of the wind during running taken in from the front grille. Additionally, a shortfall in the required flow rate of air for the hydrogen fuel battery is compensated for by actuating the blower through a blower speed instruction.

Abstract: An electricity storage system comprising a reversible fuel cell having a first electrode and a second electrode separated by an ionically conducting electrolyte, and at least two chambers adapted to hold fuel and/or a reaction product, wherein the system is substantially closed and at least one reactant for discharge is hydrogen or oxygen.

Abstract: An electrochemical converter with proton membrane includes a plurality of electrochemical unitary cells connected in series and arranged on a carrier tape elongated along a longitudinal axis, a first face of which has anodes that receive hydrogen and a second face has cathodes that receive air, wherein the hydrogen circulates in a flow parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aforementioned tape and the air circulates in a flow transverse to the longitudinal axis of the aforementioned tape, and separation means dividing the air flow into a cooling flow having no contact with the cathodes and a cathodic reaction flow in contact with the cathodes.

Abstract: Battery of fuel cells comprises at least one stack of interconnected flat two-sided fuel cells arranged inside the thermally insulated chamber. Each two-sided cell is made in a form of a ceramic plate with individual connections for the supply and drainage of fluids and electric power output, and is equipped with the central ceramic anode structure with high electrical conductivity which, on both sides, has channels formed for distribution of fuel and operating channels covered with operating anode layers, which are then covered with solid electrolyte layers, cathode layers and cathode conductive layers. Each two-sided cell (DFC) makes mechanical contact with the neighboring two-sided cells (DFC) with flexible separators which enable transfer of the fuel and catalytic combustion products. Furthermore, inside the thermally insulated chamber, temperature-controlling elements are located, such as heaters, heat absorbers and devices forcing air circulation.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes at least one fuel cell and at least one air conveyor that conveys a process air flow to the fuel cell. At least one heat exchanger is also provided, through which the process air flow flows after the air conveyor and through which a cooling medium flow flows. A region with catalytically active material is arranged in the flow direction of the process air flow before or in the region of the heat exchanger. In addition a fuel can be fed to the region with the catalytically active material.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicular fuel cell system. A fuel gas supply path is configured to supply fuel gas from a fuel gas container to a fuel cell stack. A primary decompression valve is disposed on the fuel gas supply path. A secondary decompression valve is disposed on the fuel gas supply path at a downstream side of the primary decompression valve. The secondary decompression valve is fixed to the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: According to the invention, a fuel cell is operated at a working temperature of between 60° C. and 110° C. and thermally insulated from the exterior, the waste air from the cathode being cooled by a surplus of incoming air that is provided for the reaction. The supplied fuel is pre-heated during the exchange of heat. The fuel cell that is operated according to said method can be used in systems that are restricted by exposure to thermal stress and can be produced in a cost-effective manner.

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack and novel proton exchange membrane fuel cell module are disclosed and wherein the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack includes a plurality of repeating, serially electrically coupled fuel cell stack modules, and which are sealably mounted together by a compressive force of less than about 60 pounds per square inch.