Abstract: Methods for refurbishing components, such as interconnects of a fuel cell stack, include singulating the stack and removing the electrolyte, seals and oxide layer using non-mechanical methods. The various methods of may be used either singly or in combination.

Abstract: A fuel cell module which is capable of easily securing an adequate sealing function even when the unit cell is made thinner. The fuel cell module includes a stacked body which includes: a stacked structure including: an electrolyte layer, and a pair of electrodes provided to sandwich the electrolyte layer; and a pair of separators disposed to sandwich the stacked structure, the separators being arranged at least one end of the stacked body in the stacking direction, the separators which are arranged at the end of the stacked body having a groove which is capable of receiving a sealing member in a face which does not oppose to the stacked structure, and the at least one groove being a deep groove of which depth is larger than the thickness of the separator having the groove.

Abstract: A fuel cell and a fuel cell stack thereof includes separators, each of which includes a sandwiching section for sandwiching an electrolyte electrode assembly, a bridge and a reactant gas supply section, wherein the sandwiching section has a fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas channel, the bridge has a fuel gas supply channel for supplying the fuel gas to the fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas supply channel for supplying the oxygen-containing gas to the oxygen-containing gas channel, and a fuel gas supply passage for supplying the fuel gas to the fuel gas supply channel and an oxygen-containing gas supply passage for supplying the oxygen-containing gas to the oxygen-containing gas supply channel extend through the reactant gas supply section in the stacking direction.

Abstract: A fuel-cell flow regulator is placed in a fuel cell having two entrances, each of which is formed at one of two sides of the fuel cell. The fuel cell is composed of a plurality of single cells, each of which includes a fuel inlet and a fuel passage in communication with the fuel inlet. The fuel passages jointly define a fuel tunnel in communication with all of the entrances. The flow regulator is located at the fuel tunnel and movable back and forth along the fuel tunnel.

Abstract: A fuel cell component is provided, including a substrate disposed adjacent at least one radiation-cured flow field layer. The flow field layer is one of disposed between the substrate and a diffusion medium layer, and disposed on the diffusion medium layer opposite the substrate. The flow field layer has at least one of a plurality of reactant flow channels and a plurality of coolant channels for the fuel cell. The fuel cell component may be assembled as part of a repeating unit for a fuel cell stack. A method for fabricating the fuel cell component and the associated repeating unit for the fuel cell is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel cell module provided with a fuel cell stack and a load-applying mechanism. The load-applying mechanism is provided with: a first clamping part that applies a first camping load, in the direction of stacking, to the gas seal part of the fuel cell stack; a second clamping part that applies to an electrolyte/electrode unit, in the aforementioned direction of stacking, a second clamping load that is lighter than the first clamping load; and a third clamping part that is provided on the first clamping part and, separately from the first clamping part, applies a third clamping load to the gas seal part in the aforementioned direction of stacking.

Abstract: A fuel cell system mounted in a vehicle includes a fuel cell stack, a coolant supply mechanism, and a fuel gas supply mechanism. The coolant supply mechanism includes a coolant supply pipe and a coolant discharge pipe, provided on a front side in a traveling direction of the vehicle, relative to the fuel cell stack. The fuel gas supply mechanism includes a fuel gas supply pipe, provided on a rear side in the traveling direction, relative to the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly is disclosed that utilizes a water transport structure extending from fuel cell plates of the assembly into fuel cell assembly manifolds, wherein the water transport structure facilitates the transport of liquid water from the fuel cell plates thereby minimizing the accumulation of liquid water and ice in the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cell modules. Each of the fuel cell modules has a first membrane electrode assembly and a second membrane electrode assembly respectively having an electrolyte membrane and being arranged, such that respective first electrodes are opposed to each other. The fuel cell module also has a first reactive gas flow path arranged to supply a first reactive gas to the first electrodes included in the first membrane electrode assembly and the second membrane electrode assembly, a second reactive gas flow path arranged to supply a second reactive gas to the second electrodes included in the first membrane electrode assembly and the second membrane electrode assembly, and a coolant flow path arranged to cool down the second electrodes included in the first membrane electrode assembly and the second membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel cell system comprising a reformer and a fuel cell body to which a fuel gas reformed through the reformer and air are supplied and in which the supplied fuel gas and air are separated from each other and caused to flow and contact on respective electrodes to perform electric power generation. A moisture quantity adjustment device is configured to adjustably separate a portion of moisture included in the fuel gas supplied from the reformer in order for the moisture included in the fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell body in an appropriate quantity.

Abstract: A fuel cell of the present invention includes cell blocks (101, 102) each formed by stacking cells (51, 52) and a cooling medium connecting channel (103) connecting a cell block internal cooling medium channel (153A) of the cell block (101) and a cell block internal cooling medium channel (153B) of the cell block (102) in series. A catalyst layer includes a catalyst support and polymer electrolyte adhered to the catalyst support, the catalyst support containing an electrode catalyst and carbon powder supporting the electrode catalyst.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention a fuel cell system comprises: (i) a plurality of fuel cell packets, each packet comprising at least one fuel inlet, at least one fuel outlet, a frame, and two multi-cell fuel cell devices, the fuel cell devices situated such that an anode side of one fuel cell device faces an anode side of another fuel cell device, and the two fuel cell devices, in combination, at least partially form a fuel chamber connected to the fuel inlet and the fuel outlet; (ii) a plurality of heat exchange packets, each packet comprising at least one oxidant inlet, at least one oxidant outlet, and an internal oxidant chamber connected to the at least one oxidant inlet and the least one oxidant outlet; the heat exchange packets being parallel to and interspersed between the fuel cell packets, such that the heat exchange packets face the fuel cell packets and form, at least in part, a plurality of cathode reaction chambers between the heat exchange packets and the fuel cell packets; (

Abstract: A fuel cell power generation system includes a fuel gas generating means for generating a hydrogen-rich fuel gas from a source material having, as a main ingredient, a compound containing carbon and hydrogen; a source material supply source for supplying a source material to the fuel gas generating means; a fuel gas supply means for supplying the fuel gas from the fuel gas generating means to a fuel gas flow channel of a fuel cell at which channel a fuel electrode is placed; and a bypass means for supplying the source material from the source material supply source to the fuel gas flow channel, bypassing the fuel gas generating means. At least at one of time periods before start of and after end of power generation, the source material, as a displacement gas, is injected into the fuel gas flow channel of the fuel cell via the bypass means.

Abstract: A fluid distribution insert adapted to be received within an inlet header of a fuel cell assembly. The fluid distribution insert includes a hollow insert with a first end and a second end. An inlet is formed at the first end of the hollow insert in fluid communication with a source of a reactant gas and adapted to receive the reactant gas therein. An outlet is formed intermediate the first end and the second end. The outlet is adapted to deliver the reactant gas to a plurality of fuel cells of the fuel cell assembly, wherein the hollow insert delivers the reactant gas to the fuel cells in a substantially simultaneous and uniform manner.

Abstract: A flow field plate or bipolar plate for a fuel cell that includes a carbide coating that makes the bipolar plate conductive, hydrophilic and stable in the fuel cell environment. Suitable carbides include, but are not limited to, chromium carbide, titanium carbide, tantalum carbide, niobium carbide and zirconium carbide. The carbide coating is then polished or textured by a suitable process, such as laser or chemical etching, to provide a surface morphology that makes the coating more hydrophilic, and further reduces the contact resistance on its surface.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of adjacently stacked fuel cell modules each of which includes a plurality of adjacently aligned fuel cells that are connected in electrical series. The current flow between adjacent fuel cells is achieved across diffusion media of said adjacent fuel cells. First and second reactant channels are formed in the reactant carrier plates for separately delivering two different reactants along each reactant carrier plate.

Abstract: A distributor and a fuel cell module including the distributor are disclosed. The distributor is for supplying a fuel or oxidant from a supply tube to a plurality of distribution portions. The distributor includes a buffer portion and a guide portion. The buffer portion has a center for receiving the fuel or oxidant from the supply tube, and a buffer surface extending away from the center. The guide portion defines a first space with a periphery of the buffer portion. The guide portion is radially connected to the plurality of distribution portions about a center axis of the distributor.

Abstract: A fuel battery cell includes, between a pair of upper and lower interconnectors, a gas sealing part in an air-electrode side, a separator, a fuel electrode frame, and a gas sealing part in a fuel-electrode side. The gas sealing part includes a first gas flowing path penetrating therethrough in a stacking direction of the fuel battery cell to constitute a part of gas flowing paths, and a second gas flowing path extending along a plane direction of the gas sealing part. In the gas sealing part, the first and second gas flowing paths do not communicate with each other. A third gas flowing path is formed in a member stacked on at least one of both sides of the gas sealing part in a thickness direction of the gas sealing part. Through the third gas flowing path, the first and second gas flowing paths communicate with each other.

Abstract: An interconnect for a fuel cell stack includes a first set of gas flow channels in a first portion of the interconnect, and a second set of gas flow channels in second portion of the interconnect. The channels of the first set have a larger cross sectional area than the channels of the second set.

Abstract: A cell stack comprising an electrochemical cell, or a plurality of axially arranged electrochemical cells, with an end plate at each end of the stack, each cell comprising an active area surrounded by a peripheral area, wherein the active area comprises the membrane electrode assembly, and the peripheral area includes one or more channels for reactants, and wherein the stack comprises means for applying pressure axially to the active area to contact the membrane and electrodes, and separate means for applying pressure axially to the peripheral area. Further, a method of performing an electrochemical reaction in a cell comprising an active area surrounded by a peripheral area, comprises applying pressure to the active area, and varying the pressure during operation of the cell, wherein the active area includes the membrane electrode assembly and is the area where the cell reaction occurs.

Abstract: A fuel cell bundle includes a plurality of columnar fuel cell stacks extending in a first direction that are disposed spaced apart so that side surfaces thereof face each other, the fuel cell stacks each having a first gas flow channel along the first direction and also having a plurality of series-connected fuel cells disposed side-by-side in a second direction intersected by the first direction; a connecting member for electrically connecting series-connected fuel cells of a fuel cell stack with series-connected fuel cells of a fuel cell stack adjacent thereto; and a second gas flow channel regulating member for forming a second gas flow channel along the first gas flow channel between itself and the connecting member, the connecting member and the second gas flow channel regulating member being disposed between the adjacent fuel cell stacks.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack configured to alleviate pressure and decrease the flow rate of at least one of a fuel and an oxidant is disclosed. The fuel cell stack includes a membrane-electrode assembly, an anode separator, a cathode separator and a filing member. The membrane-electrode assembly may include an electrolyte membrane, an anode formed on a first surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a cathode formed on a second surface of the electrolyte membrane. The anode separator may include a fuel channel, a fuel inlet manifold in fluid communication with the fuel channel, and a fuel outlet manifold in fluid communication with the fuel channel. The cathode separator may include an oxidant channel, an oxidant inlet manifold in fluid communication with the oxidant channel, and an oxidant outlet manifold in fluid communication with the oxidant channel. The filling member may be positioned within at least one of the fuel inlet manifold and the oxidant inlet manifold.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack that includes: stacked cells that generate electricity; an exchange plate disposed at a first side of the stacked cells, having a channel in fluid communication with an injection flow path and a discharge flow path, which extend between the cells; and a pump that is disposed at an opposing second surface of the stacked cells, to force coolant (air) through the injection flow path, the exchange plate, and the discharge flow path.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly provides for the delivery of fluid into a channel of a fluid flow field plate in alternating flow directions through the channel for delivery of the fluid to a membrane-electrode assembly. The fuel cell includes a fluid flow field plate having a channel for delivery of fluid to a membrane-electrode assembly, the channel having a first inlet/outlet port communicating therewith and a second inlet/outlet port communicating therewith; and a fluid delivery system connected to the fluid flow field plate adapted for bi-directional delivery of fluid into the channel of the fluid flow field plate.

Abstract: A process for molding a composite unipolar plate for a fuel cell stack that increases the strength of a header region of the plate. High strength, non-conductive prepeg inserts are positioned within the mold that are shaped to the configuration of the header region, including the openings that define the various inlet and outlet manifolds. A bulk molding compound charge is positioned in the mold and pressed under high heat so that the bulk molding compound disperses in the mold, and covers the prepeg inserts so that the prepeg inserts are cured to the bulk molding compound.

Abstract: A fuel cell system that employs a surface active agent that reduces the surface tension of the water in the flow field channels. The fuel cell system includes humidifiers that humidify the cathode inlet airflow and the hydrogen anode gas. The surface active agent is mixed with the humidifying water in the humidifiers so that the surface active agent enters the flow field channels to reduce the surface tension of the water therein, thus allowing the water to wick the channels. In one non-limiting embodiment, the surface active agent is ethanol. Ruthenium can be added to the platinum in the catalyst layers of the fuel cells to mitigate the poisoning of platinum by carbon monoxide, which is one of the oxidation products of ethanol on the cathode side of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), a fuel delivery system distributing fuel to an anode side of the MEA, and a flow distributor delivering an oxidizer to a cathode side of the MEA. The flow distributor includes at least one serpentine channel through which the oxidizer is delivered to the cathode side of the MEA. Each portion of the serpentine channel delivers oxidizer to a portion of the cathode side of the MEA in contact, directly or through a porous diffuser, with the channel portion. The channel portion transfers water with the portion of the MEA in contact with the channel portion and also transfers water between adjacent channel portions via a water-permeable, gas impermeable material that defines at least a portion of the channel.

Abstract: A metal halogen electrochemical energy cell system that generates an electrical potential. One embodiment of the system includes at least one cell including at least one positive electrode and at least one negative electrode, at least one electrolyte, a mixing venturi that mixes the electrolyte with a halogen reactant, and a circulation pump that conveys the electrolyte mixed with the halogen reactant through the positive electrode and across the metal electrode. Preferably, the positive electrode comprises porous carbonaceous material, the negative electrode comprises zinc, the metal comprises zinc, the halogen comprises chlorine, the electrolyte comprises an aqueous zinc-chloride electrolyte, and the halogen reactant comprises a chlorine reactant. Also, variations of the system and a method of operation for the systems.

Abstract: A three-way diverter assembly with a contoured valve is provided. The three-way diverter assembly includes a housing having a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The first inlet and the second inlet are adapted to receive a fluid. The contoured valve is disposed in the housing adjacent the first inlet. The contoured valve is rotatable about an axis from a first positional limit to a second positional limit, and to a plurality of positions therebetween. Fuel cell systems having the three-way diverter assembly for regulating temperature and humidity of a fuel cell stack are also provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, a cathode supply passage, a cathode discharging passage, an anode supply passage, an anode discharging passage, a pair of cathode shutoff units, an anode shutoff unit, an anode discharging unit, a discharged gas processing unit, and a control unit. The control unit releases the sealing of the cathode passage by the pair of cathode shutoff units, at the time of start-up of the fuel cell system, and releases the sealing of the anode passage by the anode discharging unit, thereby performing a purge process to allow discharge of the anode gas.

Abstract: A coolant supply passage, a coolant discharge passage, and an air-releasing passage extend through first and second metal plates of a metal separator in a stacking direction of the first and second metal plates. The coolant supply passage and the coolant discharge passage are provided at vertically middle positions of opposite horizontal ends of the separator. A coolant flow field is connected between the coolant supply passage and the coolant discharge passage. The air-releasing passage for releasing air from the coolant flow field is formed above the coolant discharge passage. At least part of the air-releasing passage is positioned above the top of the coolant flow field.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a gas delivery device for a fuel cell system includes a hollow ceramic element comprising a dielectric material having at least one groove in one end face of the ceramic element and a first metal tube, wherein an end of the first metal tube is inserted into the groove of the hollow ceramic element. According to an embodiment, a fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack or column, a gas delivery line fluidly connected to the stack or column, and a coefficient of thermal expansion compensator/isolator located in the gas delivery line, where the coefficient of thermal expansion compensator/isolator includes a hollow ceramic element made of a dielectric material having at least one groove in one end face of the ceramic element, a first metal tube, where an end of the first metal tube is inserted into the groove of the hollow ceramic element, and a hollow flexible element which compensates for differences in coefficients of thermal expansion between components of the fuel cell system.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell; a normally-closed first shut-off valve provided upstream from the fuel cell and opening and closing pipes c1 and allowing air supplied from an air pump to pass therethrough; a normally-closed second shut-off valve opening and closing a pipe allowing cathode off-gas, discharged from the fuel cell, to pass therethrough; a valve-driving section for opening and closing discs of the shut-off valves; and valve lock units maintaining discs of the shut-off valves in open state when the cathode is released by opening the first shut-off valve and the second shut-off valve during electro-chemical reaction progressing in the fuel cell. This structure provides a simple and small-size fuel cell system capable of maintaining opening state of shut-off valves stably and reliably.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly is disclosed that utilizes a water transport structure extending from fuel cell plates of the assembly into fuel cell assembly manifolds, wherein the water transport structure facilitates the transport of liquid water from the fuel cell plates thereby minimizing the accumulation of liquid water and ice in the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: Tubular ceramic structures of non-circular cross section, e.g., anode components of tubular fuel cells of non-circular cross section, are manufactured by applying ceramic-forming composition to the external non-circular surface of the heat shrinkable polymeric tubular mandrel component of a rotating mandrel-spindle assembly, removing the spindle from said assembly after a predetermined thickness of tubular ceramic structure of non-circular cross section has been built up on the mandrel and thereafter heat shrinking the mandrel to cause the mandrel to separate from the tubular ceramic structure of non-circular cross section.

Abstract: A fuel cell system for a vehicle is provided which can be efficiently arranged under the vehicle floor. The fuel cell system for a vehicle according to the invention comprises, under the vehicle floor: a fuel cell which is supplied with an oxidant gas and a fuel gas and which generates electric power through an electrochemical reaction; an auxiliary device related to the operation of the fuel cell; and a converter that converts electric power generated by the fuel cell, wherein the fuel cell, the auxiliary device and the converter are arranged serially in a front-back direction of the vehicle and the auxiliary device is arranged so as to be adjacent to the fuel cell.

Abstract: A Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system having a hot zone with a center cathode air feed tube for improved reactant distribution, a CPDX reactor attached at the anode feed end of the hot zone with a tail gas combustor at the opposing end for more uniform heat distribution, and a counter-flow heat exchanger for efficient heat retention.

Abstract: A cooling system for cooling a fuel-cell system on board an aircraft, in one example, includes a hydrogen accumulator, a connecting device coupling the hydrogen accumulator, with an external cooling system for dissipating heat arising upon charging of the hydrogen accumulator. The hydrogen accumulator cools down upon removal of hydrogen, because of which cooling of a condenser occurs. The cooling system need not utilize a secondary cooling loop for condenser cooling.

Abstract: A separator unit inserted into a fuel cell having an electrolyte layer interposed between a fuel electrode and an oxygen electrode is provided with a plate like separator that separates fuel gas supplied to the fuel electrode from oxidizing gas supplied to the oxygen electrode, and a mesh like collector having an opening that forms one of a passage through which the fuel gas flows and a passage through which the oxidizing gas flows. The collector is provided to at least one side of the separator base in abutment against one of the fuel electrode and the oxygen electrode. The separator base has a coolant passage formed therein, through which a coolant is allowed to flow, and an electrode abutment portion of the collector, which abuts against one of the fuel electrode and the oxygen electrode, has an aperture ratio higher than those of other portions of the collector.

Abstract: A vehicle 1000 has two pipings 60 and 62 arranged to discharge an exhaust gas from a fuel cell stack 10 to the outside of the vehicle 1000. An outlet provided at an end of the piping 60 is located at an underfloor position in a rear portion of the vehicle 1000, while an outlet provided at an end of the piping 62 is located at a roof rear end of the vehicle 1000. When the outlet provided at the end of the piping 60 is blocked or when there is a potential for such blockage, the outlet provided at the end of the piping 62 is used to discharge the exhaust gas from the fuel cell stack 10 to the outside of the vehicle 1000. This arrangement ensures continuous drive of the vehicle 1000 even in a specific environment where any of various obstructing objects as the cause of blockage of the outlet is present in the surroundings of the vehicle 1000.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell, having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a membrane element, in which the membrane element is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. At least one of the electrodes has a flow field plate and at least one flow conduit, through which a reactant can be conducted, extends in at least one outer surface of the flow field plate. According to the invention, it is provided that the flow field plate has at least one microreaction chamber, and the microreaction chamber is disposed in the outer surface and on the flow conduit. A catalyst is disposed on at least a part of the microreaction chamber in such a way that the catalyst has contact simultaneously with the membrane element and the inflowing reactant.

Abstract: A three-way diverter assembly with a movable member is provided. The three-way diverter assembly includes a housing having a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The first inlet and the second inlet are adapted to receive a fluid. The movable member, disposed in the housing adjacent the first inlet, is rotatable about an axis from a first positional limit to a second positional limit, and selectively positional therebetween. Fuel cell systems having the three-way diverter assembly for regulating temperature and humidity of a fuel cell stack are also provided.

Abstract: A method of coating a surface of a fuel cell plate is disclosed herein, and involves forming a sol gel mixture by mixing a weak acid and a composition including at least two metal oxide precursors. One of the metal oxide precursors is configured to be hydrolyzed by the weak acid to form a mixed metal oxide framework with an other of the metal oxide precursors having at least one organic functional group that is not hydrolyzed by the weak acid. The mixture is applied to the surface, and is condensed by exposure to air at least one predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time. The sol gel mixture is immersed in water at a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time to form a porous, hydrophilic, and conductive film on the surface.

Abstract: A fuel cell with a gas chamber, arranged between two plate elements, is provided. One of the plate elements includes bosses for supporting the plate element on the other plate element in a regular grid structure. Between the bosses runs a network of gas channels passing through the gas chamber, the bosses being at most three times longer than wide. The bosses form between themselves first gas channels in a first region of the gas chamber and larger-volume second gas channels in a second region of the gas chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is a solid oxide fuel cell configuration which equalizes gas volume distributed into each power generation cell to stabilize fuel cell output and improve the output efficiency. In the present invention, a flat plate laminating type solid oxide fuel cell has a reactant gas supply manifold extending through a fuel cell stack in the laminating direction, for supplying reactant gas to each of power generation cells through gas passages of separators which are communicated with the manifold. The manifold and the passages of the separators are in communication with each other through a gas-flow throttle mechanisms.

Abstract: A separator includes a first fuel gas supply unit, a second fuel gas supply unit, first sandwiching sections, second sandwiching sections, a first case unit and a second case unit. The first and second sandwiching sections are connected to the first fuel gas supply unit and the second fuel gas supply unit, respectively, through first bridges. The first case unit and the second case unit are connected to the first sandwiching sections and the second sandwiching sections through second bridges. A first surface pressure F1 generated near a fuel gas supply passage, a second surface pressure F2 generated near an oxygen-containing gas supply passage, and a third surface pressure F3 generated near electrolyte electrode assemblies have different values.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack that includes a non-permeable shim plate positioned between a composite unipolar plate and a terminal plate at both ends of the stack, where the shim plate is made of a non-corrosive material, such as stainless steel, titanium or sealed graphite. Because the shim plate is non-permeable, it prevents cooling fluid that diffuses through the unipolar plate from contacting the terminal plate, which would otherwise corrode the terminal plate. The shim plate can be coated with a conductive material, such as gold, platinum, ruthenium oxide or mixtures thereof, to reduce its contact resistance.

Abstract: A fuel cell of a fuel cell stack includes separators. Each of the separators includes a fuel gas supply section, a bridge, and a sandwiching section. A fuel gas supply passage extends through the center of the fuel gas supply section, and a fuel gas supply channel is formed in the bridge. A plurality of the fuel cells are stacked together to form a stack body. Side insulating members are provided in parallel with an extension line extending from the bridge, and along both of outer portions of the sandwiching section. The side insulating members suppress heat radiation from the fuel cells, and are used as a reference level for positioning the fuel cells at the time of stacking the fuel cells.

Abstract: A three-way diverter assembly with a movable member is provided. The three-way diverter assembly includes a housing having a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The first inlet and the second inlet are adapted to receive a fluid. The movable member, disposed in the housing adjacent the first inlet, is rotatable about an axis from a first positional limit to a second positional limit, and selectively positional therebetween. Fuel cell systems having the three-way diverter assembly for regulating temperature and humidity of a fuel cell stack are also provided.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes: a membrane-electrode assembly (10) having a polymer electrolyte membrane (1) and a pair of electrodes (4, 8) sandwiching a portion of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) which portion is located inwardly of a peripheral portion of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1); an electrically-conductive first separator (30) disposed to contact the membrane-electrode assembly (10) and formed such that a groove-like first reactant gas channel (37) is formed on one main surface thereof so as to bend; and an electrically-conductive second separator (20) disposed to contact the membrane-electrode assembly (10) and formed such that a groove-like second reactant gas channel (27) is formed on one main surface thereof so as to bend, wherein the first reactant gas channel (27) is formed such that a width of a portion of the first reactant gas channel (27) which portion is formed at least a portion (hereinafter referred to as an uppermost stream portion 8C of the first separator 30) loc