Abstract: A separator includes a separator body 11 and a collector 12. The separator body 11 prevents a mixed flow of fuel gas and oxidizer gas. The collector 12 is formed from a metal lath RM in which through holes each having an opening shape assuming the form of a hexagon are formed in a meshy, step-like arrangement. This establishes a substantially linear contact mode between the collector 12 and each of the separator body 11 and a carbon cloth CC superposed on an MEA 30. This contact mode increases a contact area between the carbon cloth CC and gas and allows a necessary and sufficient contact area between the carbon cloth CC and the separator body 11. Thus, gas can be supplied efficiently, and generated electricity can be collected efficiently to thereby improve electricity generation efficiency of a fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell, a method for operating a fuel cell and a fuel cell system, which ensure no dew condensation for a wet reaction gas in the inlet area of gas channels in plates in a fuel cell stack, are provided. Gas channels 2 and heat medium channels are disposed on one surface and the other surface of one plate 1, respectively. Gas channels are disposed on the other plate such that they face the gas channels 2 in the plate 1. A gas inlet header 3 is disposed at the upper part of the gas channel 2 in the plate 1 and a heat medium inlet header is disposed at the upper part of the heat medium channels such that they face the gas inlet header on the other side. Cooling water such as heat medium is supplied from the heat medium supply manifold hole 7 to the heat medium inlet header, thereby warming up the same. The water vapor in the reaction gas (wet fuel gas) is prevented from being condensed in the inlet area of the gas channels 2 by heating up the gas inlet header by the heat conduction.

Abstract: A dual-material co-injection molded bipolar plate and its manufacturing method are disclosed, in which the manufacturing method comprises the steps of: injecting a skin polymer melt containing a first conductive material into a mold cavity of a bipolar plate mold; sequential or simultaneous injecting a core polymer melt containing a second conductive and the skin polymer melt into the mold cavity; molding a bipolar plate, being a sandwich structure having a core layer packed inside a skin layer, while enabling a conductive grid composed of the first conductive material and the second conductive material to be formed between the core layer and the skin layer for improving the through-plane conductivity of the bipolar plate.

Abstract: A unit cell assembly, stacked in a plurality to form a fuel cell, includes: a separator; a unit cell constituent member disposed at a first region on one face of the separator; a seal member which is formed of an elastic member and bonded to a second region surrounding the first region on one face of the separator, and which is integrated with at least part of a peripheral edge of the unit cell constituent member; and a first insulating portion having insulating properties and provided at least on part of a peripheral edge of the separator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell stack with enhanced freeze-thaw durability. In particular, the fuel cell stack includes a gas diffusion layer between a membrane-electrode assembly and a bipolar plate. The gas diffusion layer has a structure that reduces contact resistance in a fuel cell and is cut at a certain angle such that the machine direction (high stiffness direction) of GDL roll is not in parallel with the major flow field direction of the bipolar plate, resulting in an increased GDL stiffness in a width direction perpendicular to a major flow field direction of a bipolar plate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flat-tubular solid oxide cell stack. The cell stack includes a plurality of unit cells which are stacked one on top of another. Each unit cell includes a flat-tubular electrode support made of a porous conductive material. A first-gas flow channel is formed in the electrode support in a longitudinal direction thereof. First gas flows along the first-gas flow channel. A second-gas flow channel is formed on the outer surface of the electrode support. Second-gas flows along the second-gas flow channel. A connection hole is formed on each of opposite ends of the first-gas flow channel of each of the unit cells and communicates with the first-gas flow channel of the adjacent unit cell so that the first gas flows along the unit cells in a zigzag manner in the longitudinal directions of the unit cells.

Abstract: A fuel cell plate is disclosed, the fuel cell plate including a first unipolar plate, a second unipolar plate cooperating with the first unipolar plate to form a bipolar plate having a coolant inlet, a coolant outlet, a reactant inlet, and a reactant outlet, and a coolant flow channel in fluid communication with the coolant inlet formed intermediate the first unipolar plate and the second unipolar plate, the coolant flow channel having a second portion disposed between a first portion and a third portion thereof adjacent to the reactant outlet, wherein the second portion is spaced apart from the reactant inlet at a first distance and the first portion and the third portion are each spaced apart from the reactant inlet at a distance greater than the first distance.

Abstract: A cell unit of a fuel cell includes a second separator. A first oxygen-containing gas flow field is formed on a surface of the second separator. An inlet buffer is connected to an inlet of the oxygen-containing gas flow field, and an outlet buffer is connected to an outlet of the first oxygen-containing gas flow field. The inlet buffer includes a first inlet buffer area having a deep groove and a second inlet buffer area, and the outlet buffer includes a first outlet buffer area having a deep groove and a second outlet buffer area. The first inlet buffer area and the first outlet buffer area have different surface areas.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an air-cooled metal separator that does not need cooling water. The air-cooled metal separator includes a channel section formed in the middle of a metal plate, the channel section including a reaction gas channel depressed into a front surface of the metal plate to protrude from a rear surface thereof and an air channel defined between the reaction gas channels protruding from the rear surface of the metal plate; a first gasket continuously formed along a rim of a front surface of the channel section; and a second gasket discontinuously formed along a rim of a rear surface of the channel section to allow a discontinuous portion of the second gasket to provide a flow passage of air.

Abstract: A fuel cell plate assembly includes a first plate having a feed region and an active region. A plurality of flow channels is formed in the first plate and connects the feed region and the active region. The first plate further includes a first step oriented transverse to the flow channels in the feed region and a second step oriented transverse to the flow channels in the active region. The second step is formed only in the flow channels of the first plate.

Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell has a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side. The bipolar plate also has an active region, a feed region, a perimeter region, a sealing region, and a hinge region. The sealing region is disposed between the perimeter region and each of the active region and the feed region. A plurality of outwardly extending tabs are disposed adjacent the perimeter region at each of the first end and the second end of the bipolar plate. The hinge region is disposed between the perimeter region and the outwardly extending tabs. The hinge region extends from the first side of the plate to the second side of the bipolar plate. The hinge region permits a flexing of the outwardly extending tabs to connect with peripheral electrical device without undesirably flexing the sealing region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel cell separator plate comprising at least one separator sheet and at least one flange suitable to be fixed on the side of the separator sheet by means of shape-coupling. The invention also relates to a fuel cell comprising said separator sheet, preferably a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC). The invention also relates to a stack of these fuel cells being electrically coupled to each other.

Abstract: A metal separator for fuel cells formed with a metal plate and provided between cells accumulated, in which the metal plate is formed like trapezoidal irregularities to separate channels for a fuel gas from ones for an oxidant gas. Slope portions are formed after forming uniformly and thinly wall thickness of both upper and lower flat portions or either of the upper or the lower flat portion to 90% or less of that of the metal plate to be formed to obtain trapezoidal irregularities by forming flat portions which contact upper and lower cells and slope portions which interconnect the upper and the lower flat portions.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to interconnects for solid oxide fuel cells (“SOFCs”) comprising ferritic stainless steel and having at least one via that when subjected to an oxidizing atmosphere at an elevated temperature develops a scale comprising a manganese-chromate spinel on at least a portion of a surface thereof, and at least one gas flow channel that when subjected to an oxidizing atmosphere at an elevated temperature develops an aluminum-rich oxide scale on at least a portion of a surface thereof. Other embodiments relate to interconnects comprising a ferritic stainless steel and having a fuel side comprising metallic material that resists oxidation during operation of the SOFCs, and optionally include a nickel-base superalloy on the oxidant side thereof. Still other embodiments relate to ferritic stainless steels adapted for use as interconnects comprising ?0.1 weight percent aluminum and/or silicon, and >1 up to 2 weight percent manganese. Methods of making interconnects are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell having a membrane electrode arrangement (16) arranged between two separator plate units (44), a first fluid area (12) for distribution of a first fluid which is adjacent to one side of the membrane-electrode arrangement (16), a second fluid area (14) for distribution of a second fluid which is adjacent to a side of the membrane-electrode arrangement (16) opposite this side, with a separating wall (36) being arranged in at least one fluid area (12) and subdividing the fluid area (12) into at least one metering area (32) and one fluid subarea (34), with the at least one metering area (32) having a fluid connection to the adjacent fluid subarea (34) at at least one metering point (38), such that the first fluid can be metered from the metering area (32) through the metering point (38) into the adjacent fluid subarea (34).

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: A fuel cell stack includes a membrane electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane and electrode catalyst layers sandwiching the electrolyte membrane; metal separators that define gas channels, the metal separators being respectively disposed at both surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly; a current collector from which electromotive force is derived, the current collector being in contact with at least one of the metal separators; and joining parts that join the metal separator to the current collector at portions where the metal separator contacts the current collector.

Abstract: A repeat unit for a fuel cell stack, the repeat unit having: a conductive interconnect plate; an electrolyte-supported fuel cell, wherein a dense sealing perimeter extends around the entire perimeter of the fuel cell; a cathode gasket adjacent the cathode side of the fuel cell; and an anode gasket adjacent the anode side of the fuel cell. First and second air manifolding ports, and first and second fuel manifolding ports are provided in each of the interconnect plate, dense sealing perimeter of the fuel cell, cathode gasket and anode gasket. An SOFC stack having an aligned stack of a plurality of repeat units is also provided, as well as an SOFC stack configured for cascade fuel flow.

Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell includes a pair of plates. Each plate has an active area, a header area, and a perimeter area. The perimeter area is disposed adjacent an edge of the plate. The perimeter area is also disposed adjacent to each of the active area and the header area. At least one of the plates includes a raised support feature having an inboard side and an outboard side. The plates are joined in the perimeter area between the outboard side of the raised support feature and the edges of the plates.

Abstract: A bipolar plate includes angled facets oriented to form V-shaped projections on the plate edge. Liquid leaving the reactant channels is drawn back into the V-shaped grooves of the projections, leaving no liquid to obstruct the channel exit openings. The bipolar plate includes one portion of the bipolar plate offset from another portion of the bipolar plate so as to expose the reactant channels. The liquid is drawn toward the end portions of the reactant channels by capillary forces, while the gas flows can exit near the beginning of the offset portion. A fuel cell stack includes angled facets that are rotated to lie in the plane of the bipolar plate edges. The edges are chamfered so the channel exit openings of the reactant channels are at the tip portions thereof, thus allowing the liquid to flow away from the channel exit openings and the gas to exit freely.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell capable of inhibiting desiccation and flooding of a membrane electrode assembly. The fuel cell has a laminated body having a membrane electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane sandwiched by an anode catalyst layer and a cathode catalyst layer. A pair of separators sandwiches the laminated body, and between at least one separator and the laminated body, inlet and outlet passages are formed. The inlet passage is blocked at a downstream end of the reaction gas supplied to the laminated body and the outlet passage is blocked at an upstream end of the reaction gas having passed through the laminated body. The inlet passage and the outlet passage are arranged separately from each other. The depth of the upstream region of the inlet passage is larger than that of the downstream region of the inlet passage.

Abstract: Bipolar plate for a fuel cell, of the type comprising a cathode bipolar half-plate and an anode bipolar half-plate which are secured to each other, each bipolar half-plate (1) being constituted by a plate which comprises, in the central portion thereof, an active zone (2) and, at the peripheral portion thereof, a plurality of cut-outs (5) which are intended to constitute at least two oxidant units, at least two fuel units and at least two heat-exchange fluid units, at least one bipolar half-plate (1) comprising at least one connection between a peripheral cut-out (5) and the active zone (2), and comprising, at the periphery thereof, at least one hollow housing (140) which is intended to receive a connector (141) for electrical measurement.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell such as a fuel cell is provided to include a bipolar plate. The bipolar plate includes a metal substrate defining at least one flow channel having a channel span of no greater than 1.0 millimeter; and the metal substrate includes a stainless steel material less precious than stainless steel SS316L. In certain instances, the channel span is of 0.7 to 0.9 millimeters. In certain other instances, the flow channel has a channel depth of 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters. In yet other instances, the plate substrate includes stainless steel SS301, stainless steel SS302, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the electrochemical cell further includes a gas diffusion layer disposed next to the bipolar plate.

Abstract: A cell stack comprising a plurality of fuel cells or electrolysis cells has a combination of flow patterns between anode gas and cathode gas internally in each of the cells and between the cells relative to each other such that cathode and anode gas internally in a cell flows in either co-flow, counter-flow or cross-flow and further that anode and cathode gas flow in one cell has co-flow, counter-flow or cross-flow relative to the anode and cathode gas flow in adjacent cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bipolar plate for a fuel cell stack, which comprises at least a an anode-side sub-plate. An interior of the bipolar plate is enclosed by the sub-plates, with a fluid port area arranged having at least one fluid port, over which a fluid can be conveyed to the fluid channels. The fluid channels are arranged on at least one of the flat sides, as well as a manifold zone, over which the fluid can be distributed to its assigned fluid channels and an accumulation zone, over which the fluid can be carried away from the fluid channels to another fluid port area. At least one of the sub-plates has a uniform arrangement of raised support points in the manifold zone and/or accumulation zone. Apart from the peripherally situated support points, a negative support point of the same type is designed adjacent to each raised support point inside the manifold zone and/or the accumulation zone.

Abstract: A fuel cell separator has a sandwiching section. The sandwiching section is connected to a fuel gas manifold through a bridge, and connected to an oxygen-containing gas manifold through a bridge. The circumferential length R of the sandwiching section, the width H of the bridges the length L of the bridges, and the outer diameter D of the manifolds satisfies relationships of 0.03?H/R?0.20, 0.01?L/R?0.55, and 0.06?D/R?0.32.

Abstract: A fuel cell is formed by stacking a membrane electrode assembly and separators alternately. Each of the separators includes first and second metal plates. A coolant flow field is formed between the first metal plate of the fuel cell and the second metal plate of the adjacent fuel cell. A folded section is provided around a coolant supply passage by folding the second metal plate. The folded section forms an inlet which enlarges the sectional area of an opening as a fluid passage between the coolant supply passage and the coolant flow field.

Abstract: A first separator has an outlet side first connection channel connecting a first fuel gas flow field and a fuel gas discharge passage, and a second separator includes an outlet side second connection channel connecting a second fuel gas flow field and the fuel gas discharge passage. The outlet side first connection channel and the outlet side second connection channel include outer passages and outer passages arranged in the same plane formed by facing the first separator and the second separator. The outer passages and the outer passages are formed alternately and independently in the same plane.

Abstract: A stackable unitized fuel cell system includes a cooling capability. A unitized fuel cell system includes a unitized fuel cell assembly having a first flow field plate, a second flow field plate, and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) provided between the first and second flow field plates. In one configuration, a cooling structure is separable with respect to the unitized fuel cell assembly. In another configuration, the cooling structure is integral to the unitized fuel cell assembly. A retention arrangement is provided on one or both of the unitized fuel cell assembly and cooling structure. The retention arrangement is configured to facilitate mating engagement between the unitized fuel cell assembly, the cooling structure, and adjacent unitized fuel cell systems of a fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A controlled-release fuel cell comprising (a) a proton exchange membrane having a first surface and a second surface, a fuel electrode or anode being coupled to the first surface, and an oxidant electrode or cathode being coupled to the second surface; (b) a fuel flow field plate having surface channels positioned in front of the anode with the channels containing therein a controlled-release material that retains a liquid fuel at or below an ambient temperature, but releases the fuel at a temperature higher than an activation temperature to deliver a fuel vapor to the anode; (c) heating means in heat-supplying relation to the controlled-release material to activate fuel vapor release on demand at a desired rate; and (d) fuel supply means that feeds the liquid fuel to the controlled-release material. The invented fuel cell is compact and lightweight, with significantly reduced fuel crossover and improved fuel utilization efficiency.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell of the present invention has a simple structure in a cooling part and is small. The polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, a porous gas flow field for anode which is conductive and supplies fuel gas, a porous gas flow field for cathode which is conductive and supplies oxidant gas, and a bipolar plate which separates the fuel gas flow field and the oxidant gas flow field. Channels are formed in a surface of the porous gas flow field for cathode, the surface facing the bipolar plate. Preferably, plural concave portions are provided in at least one surface of flow field walls forming the channels. Preferably, the oxidant gas is mixed with cooling water and the mixture is supplied to the porous gas flow field for cathode.

Abstract: A metallic separator for a fuel cell including 2.2 to 6.0 parts by weight of tungsten based on 100 parts by weight of stainless steel containing molybdenum, and the weight ratio of molybdenum to tungsten (Mo/W) is 0.15 to 1.60. The separator for fuel cells has excellent anti-corrosive properties and contact resistance as low as that of a metal material, and thus, a fuel cell having high efficiency can be manufactured at a reasonable cost using the separator.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a method including providing a bipolar plate for a fuel cell having a reactant gas flow field defined therein by a plurality of lands and at least one channel, and depositing a low contact resistant material selectively over portions of the lands leaving portions of the lands uncovered by the low contact resistant material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite separator for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and a method for manufacturing the same. The inventive method involves allowing graphite foil layers to be brought into direct contact with each other when graphite foils are stacked on both sides of a carbon fiber reinforced composite material prepreg, thereby improving electrical conductivity in the thickness direction of the separator.

Abstract: The invention concerns a monopolar fuel cell endplate (4) of the type with proton exchanging membrane consisting of a cathode or anode monopolar half-plate (41) attached to a closure plate (42). The monopolar half-plate comprises, in its central part, a cathode or anode active region (411), and, at its periphery, at least two oxidant boxes, if the monopolar half-plate is cathodic, or fuel boxes, if the monopolar half-plate is anodic. Each oxidant or fuel box comprises at least one channel (414) emerging outside the active region (411) to enable oxidant or fuel to be circulated outside the monopolar plate on the monopolar plate side, the oxidant or fuel boxes not comprising an opening emerging into the central region of the closure plate, such that the central part of said closure plate is not swept either with fuel or with oxidant.

Abstract: A fuel cell battery (2) has a structure in which a plurality of cells are stacked and in-series connected. The cells include a cell (15), and one or more cells (16) of a cell stack (11). Hydrogen that has entered the fuel cell battery (2) from a channel (12) is supplied to each cell through a supply manifold (13). After the amount of hydrogen needed for power generation is consumed, gas is discharged as a fuel off-gas into a discharge manifold (14), and then flows into the cell (15). This prevents impurities contained in the fuel off-gas from being accumulated in the cells (16), and causes the impurities to be accumulated in the cell (15). Thus, variations in the amount of power generation among the cells can be restrained in a fuel cell battery system that employs a dead-end method.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a joint portion A in which a first conductive separator, an electrolyte-strengthening substrate and a second conductive separator are jointed in order with a brazing material. The electrolyte-strengthening substrate is formed so as to be larger than a joint area of the first conductive separator and a joint area of the second conductive separator in the joint portion. The electrolyte-strengthening substrate has an insulating property at least at an area where the electrolyte-strengthening substrate contacts with the brazing material.

Abstract: Excellent gas sealing properties were difficult to achieve with a structure that uses a meal material to control material cost and does not increase the number of components. A cell is configured by using a metal separator having at least one protruding structure between a manifold and an electrode channel, and having a communicating channel structure that forms a fluid circulating space by being folded back at the side containing a connection so that the tip of the protruding structure is in contact with a surface of the separator. Accordingly, a gas channel from the manifold to an electrode surface can be easily formed integrally. This can be applied to a metal material easily. Further, the present invention can provide excellent gas sealing properties.

Abstract: A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell with a wet side plate having a plurality of flow channels formed therein and a dry side plate having a plurality of flow channels formed therein, the flow channels of the wet side plate adapted to facilitate a flow of a wet gas therethrough and the flow channels of said dry side plate adapted to facilitate a flow of a dry gas therethrough, wherein a pressure drop in the humidifier is minimized and a humidification of a proton exchange membrane in the fuel cell is optimized.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a fluid distribution system. The system may include one or more electrochemical cell layers, a bulk distribution manifold having an inlet, a cell layer feeding manifold in direct fluidic contact with the electrochemical cell layer and a separation layer that separates the bulk distribution manifold from the cell feeding manifold, providing at least two independent paths for fluid to flow from the bulk distribution manifold to the cell feeding manifold.

Abstract: A fuel cell module including a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), a pressing plate, an anode collector, an anode flow channel plate, a cathode collector, and a cathode flow channel plate is provided. The MEA has a protrusion, and the pressing plate presses an edge of a cathode of the MEA. The pressing plate has a first opening to expose the protrusion. The anode collector is disposed on an anode of the MEA. The anode flow channel plate is disposed on anode collector. The anode collector is disposed between the anode and the anode flow channel plate. The cathode flow channel plate faces the cathode collector disposed on the cathode and the pressing plate to form a flow channel between an inner surface of the cathode flow channel plate and the cathode collector. The cathode flow channel plate has a concave portion corresponding to the protrusion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid oxide fuel cell. The solid oxide fuel cell includes: a tubular first electrode support layer formed with a plurality of first passages; an inner electrolyte layer formed in the first electrode support layer; an inner second electrode layer formed on the inner surface of the first electrolyte layer and forming an inner second passage; an outer electrolyte layer formed on the outer surface of the first electrode support layer; and an outer second electrode layer formed on the outer surface of the second electrolyte layer and adjacent to the outer second passage.

Abstract: This invention provides a fuel battery comprising a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode-side catalyst body and a cathode-side catalyst body disposed respectively on both sides of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and a fuel guide part in which the anode-side catalyst body is disposed opposite to the anode-side catalyst body on the opposite side where the anode-side catalyst body faces the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and which guides a fuel which has been externally supplied toward the center of the face of the anode-side catalyst body.

Abstract: A first separator and a second separator make up separator bodies having the same shape, which are oriented 180° opposite to each other. The first separator has first sandwiching sections sandwiching electrolyte electrode assemblies therebetween, along with fuel gas supply units. A fuel gas supply passage extends in a stacking direction through the fuel gas supply units. The second separator has second sandwiching sections and oxygen-containing gas supply units. An oxygen-containing gas supply passage extends in the stacking direction through the oxygen-containing gas supply units.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel cell stack including a layer of encapsulating material disposed about the separator plate, MEA, and reactant manifold, wherein the reactant manifold is bounded at least in part by the encapsulating material. The fuel cell stack also includes a first opening through the plate body to the first face from the second face, and an open channel in the second face extending from the opening toward a periphery of the plate. The invention also provides a fuel cell stack having a first face including an opening for passage of a reactant therethrough, a first reactant flow field defined thereon, and a first raised surface formed thereon substantially surrounding the opening. The first raised surface is configured and adapted to mate with a second surface on a face of an adjacent plate to create a flow obstruction for encapsulating material.

Abstract: In a fuel cell stack constituting a fuel cell module, electrolyte/electrode assemblies and separators are alternately laminated. An electrolyte/electrode assembly and a terminal separator are arranged on one end of the fuel cell stack in the lamination direction in this order outwardly, and a dummy electrolyte/electrode assembly and a terminal separator are arranged on the other end of the fuel cell stack in the lamination direction in this order outwardly. The dummy electrolyte/electrode assembly is so formed as to have the same shape as the electrolyte/electrode assemblies, while having conductivity but not having a power generation function.

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: In a fuel cell stack constituting a fuel cell module, electrolyte/electrode assemblies and separators are alternately laminated. An electrolyte/electrode assembly is arranged on one end of the fuel cell stack in the lamination direction, while a separator is arranged on the other end of the fuel cell stack in the lamination direction. A terminal separator is arranged adjacent to the electrolyte/electrode assembly, while a load relaxation member is arranged adjacent to the separator. The terminal separator controls the supply of a fuel gas to a fuel gas channel, and the load relaxation member is configured of a laminate of a plurality of flat metal plates.

Abstract: A bipolar plate and a direct liquid feed fuel cell stack are provided. The bipolar plate includes a manifold that is coupled with the fuel/oxidant path holes and a plurality of flow channels that are coupled with the manifold. The flow channels are divided into a plurality of groups, where the flow channel of each group forms a serpentine flow path and a length of each flow channel is substantially the same.

Abstract: In solid polymer fuel cells employing framed membrane electrode assemblies, a conventional anode compliant seal is employed in combination with a cathode non-compliant seal to provide for a thinner fuel cell design, particularly in the context of a fuel cell stack. This approach is particularly suitable for fuel cells operating at low pressure.