Abstract: A fuel cell includes a plurality of unit cells, each having a membrane electrode assembly and a separator stacked with an intervening first sealing member and the unit cells being stacked on one another with an intervening second sealing member. The first sealing member is spread on and along a surface of the separator where at least a part of the first sealing member overlaps with the second sealing member in a direction in which the unit cells are stacked, and the thickness of the first sealing member is smaller in a region where it overlaps with the second sealing member than in a region where it does not overlap with the second sealing member.

Abstract: An embedded measurement circuit for a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack includes a plurality of bipolar plates that include recessed areas providing conduction and retention points for the measurement circuit. The measurement circuit has a length, a width and a thickness where the width and length of the circuit are greater than the thickness of the circuit. The measurement circuit includes a stepped cut-out portion defining steps along an edge of the length of the circuit. The measurement circuit is positioned between and among the plurality of bipolar plates so that each one of the steps of the stepped cut-out portion of the measurement circuit enables electrical contact with a separate plate and the width of the circuit is perpendicular to a plane of the plates and the thickness of the circuit is along the plane of the bipolar plates.

Abstract: A high-temperature structural material which not only has a coefficient of thermal expansion close to the coefficient of thermal expansion of an electrolyte material, but also undergoes no decrease in mechanical strength even in a reducing atmosphere, and can be sintered at relatively low temperatures just by adding a predetermined sintering aid, a structural body for a solid electrolyte fuel cell, which is formed with the use of the high-temperature structural material, and a solid electrolyte fuel cell including the structural body. The high-temperature structural material contains strontium titanate and aluminum, wherein the aluminum is in an amount of 10 parts by mol or more and 60 parts by mol or less with respect to 100 parts by mol of the strontium titanate.

Abstract: Electrolytic/fuel cell bundles and systems including such bundles include an electrically conductive current collector in communication with an anode or a cathode of each of a plurality of cells. A cross-sectional area of the current collector may vary in a direction generally parallel to a general direction of current flow through the current collector. The current collector may include a porous monolithic structure. At least one cell of the plurality of cells may include a current collector that surrounds an outer electrode of the cell and has at least six substantially planar exterior surfaces. The planar surfaces may extend along a length of the cell, and may abut against a substantially planar surface of a current collector of an adjacent cell. Methods for generating electricity and for performing electrolysis include flowing current through a conductive current collector having a varying cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A fuel cell capable of suppressing deformation resulting from reduction treatment, a fuel cell device, a fuel cell module, and a fuel cell apparatus are provided, A fuel cell includes a solid electrolyte layer, a fuel electrode layer disposed on the solid electrolyte layer, and an interconnector and an adjustment layer which are disposed on the fuel electrode layer, the interconnector expanding in a reduction atmosphere and the adjustment layer shrinking in a reduction atmosphere, or the interconnector shrinking in a reduction atmosphere and the adjustment layer expanding in a reduction atmosphere. Accordingly, a fuel cell capable of suppressing deformation resulting from reduction treatment can be provided.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell stack includes a cell array in which M interconnector unit solid oxide fuel cells are connected in parallel to form a bundle, and N bundles are connected in series; a first plate-shaped current collecting member connected to a first bundle of the N bundles, the first current collecting member including a first terminal, and a second plate-shaped current collecting member connected to an Nth bundle of the N bundles, the second current collecting member including a second terminal; and a first elastic insulating member adjacent to the first current collecting member, the first insulating member having a first opening, a second elastic insulating member adjacent to the second current collecting member, the second insulating member having another first opening, and the first terminal passes through the first opening and the second terminal portion through the other first opening.

Abstract: An oxidation-resistant ferritic stainless steel comprising: a ferritic stainless steel comprising Cr, wherein a {110} grain orientation fraction of a surface of the ferritic stainless steel as measured using electron back scattered diffraction pattern (EBSD) is about 5% or more; and a chromium oxide layer formed on the surface of the ferritic stainless steel is provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell is provided that includes an anode, a cathode, a solid electrolyte layer, a barrier layer, and an intermediate layer. The solid electrolyte layer includes zirconium and is provided between the anode and the cathode. The barrier layer includes cerium and is provided between the solid electrolyte layer and the cathode. The intermediate layer includes zirconium and cerium, and has a first surface facing the solid electrolyte layer, a second surface facing the barrier layer, and pores. The pore ratio of the intermediate layer is higher than the pore ratio of the barrier layer.

Abstract: The present invention includes a fuel cell system having a plurality of adjacent electrochemical cells formed of an anode layer, a cathode layer spaced apart from the anode layer, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the anode layer and the cathode layer. The fuel cell system also includes at least one interconnect, the interconnect being structured to conduct free electrons between adjacent electrochemical cells. Each interconnect includes a primary conductor embedded within the electrolyte layer and structured to conduct the free electrons.

Abstract: The present invention includes a fuel cell system having a plurality of adjacent electrochemical cells formed of an anode layer, a cathode layer spaced apart from the anode layer, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the anode layer and the cathode layer. The fuel cell system also includes at least one interconnect, the interconnect being structured to conduct free electrons between adjacent electrochemical cells. Each interconnect includes a primary conductor embedded within the electrolyte layer and structured to conduct the free electrons.

Abstract: The present invention includes a fuel cell system having a plurality of adjacent electrochemical cells formed of an anode layer, a cathode layer spaced apart from the anode layer, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the anode layer and the cathode layer. The fuel cell system also includes at least one interconnect, the interconnect being structured to conduct free electrons between adjacent electrochemical cells. Each interconnect includes a primary conductor embedded within the electrolyte layer and structured to conduct the free electrons.

Abstract: The present invention includes a fuel cell system having a plurality of adjacent electrochemical cells formed of an anode layer, a cathode layer spaced apart from the anode layer, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the anode layer and the cathode layer. The fuel cell system also includes at least one interconnect, the interconnect being structured to conduct free electrons between adjacent electrochemical cells. Each interconnect includes a primary conductor embedded within the electrolyte layer and structured to conduct the free electrons.

Abstract: A separator for a fuel cell according to the present invention includes: a base 1 containing 70 mass % or more of Al; an underlying layer 2 being formed on the base and containing Ti; an intermediate layer 3 being formed on the underlying layer and containing TiNx or TiOy; and a conductive metal layer 4 being formed on the intermediate layer and containing Au or Pt. The separator for a fuel cell according to the present invention has an excellent anticorrosiveness although a base containing aluminum as a main component is used.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical energy unit (2, 102, 202, 302) comprising a plurality of electrical energy cells (4), which are stacked in a stacking direction to form a cell block and are connected to each other in parallel and/or in series within the cell block, the electrical energy cells having planar conductors (14), which protrude from the cell substantially in parallel with each other in two directions, the main surfaces of the conductors being oriented substantially perpendicularly to the stacking direction, the conductors of a cell at least partially not covering each other, as viewed in the stacking direction, and each conductor of a cell at least partially covering a conductor of a subsequent cell in the stacking direction, as viewed in the stacking direction.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes: two end plates that sandwich a cell stack from both ends thereof in a stacking direction; a side member that defines a distance between the two end plates; a connecting bolt that connects the end plates and the side member by a bolt axial force acting substantially in the stacking direction; and a stopper portion that is provided in at least one of the end plates, and that contacts a surface of the side member that extends in the stacking direction and that is located substantially opposite from the cell stack.

Abstract: A tubular fuel cell comprises a cylindrical internal electrode having electrical conductivity, a lamination of a first catalytic layer, an electrolytic layer, and a second catalytic layer laminated in that order on an outer circumferential surface of the internal electrode, and an electrically conductive exterior coil wound around an outer circumferential surface of the second catalytic layer. The tubular fuel cell further comprises an electrically conductive spacer which has an outside diameter greater than that of the exterior coil.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solid oxide fuel cell bundle, including a plurality of fuel cells each having a polygonal tubular support an outer surface of which has a plurality of planes, an outer connector formed on one plane among the plurality of planes of the tubular support, a plurality of unit cells respectively formed on two or more remaining planes of the tubular support except for the one plane, and inner connectors for connecting the unit cells and the outer connector in series, wherein the fuel cells is connected in series in such a manner that the outer connector of a fuel cell is bonded to the unit cell of an additional fuel cell, and the unit cells are connected in series, thus exhibiting excellent cell performance and high power density per unit volume, and maintaining high voltage upon collection of current to thereby reduce power loss due to electrical resistance.

Abstract: An energy storage device cell includes: a capacitor cathode including a capacitor cathode collector foil, and a capacitor cathode electrode layer formed on one face of the capacitor cathode collector foil and containing microparticles of activated carbon; a first separator; a common anode including an anode collector foil having a through-hole, and an anode electrode layer formed on one face of the anode collector foil; a second separator; and a battery cathode including a battery cathode collector foil, and a battery cathode electrode layer formed on one face of the battery cathode collector foil and containing particles of a lithium-containing metal compound. The first separator is sandwiched by the capacitor cathode electrode layer and the anode electrode layer. The second separator is sandwiched by the anode collector foil and the battery cathode electrode layer.

Abstract: A high-temperature fuel cell system includes individual SOFC fuel cells which are in contact with each other for electrically connecting the same in parallel or in series. In at least one embodiment, contacting elements that are suitable for the fuel cell system with a certain flexibility in addition to the required electrical conductivity for continuous operation. The contacting elements between two fuel cells are formed by a metal wire mesh that is advantageously made of nickel. Such nickel wires can be mechanically transformed into a continuous mesh, especially a tube, from which sections having a suitable length can be cut and be provided with the proper shape.

Abstract: A fuel cell separator material, comprising a metal base and an Au plated layer formed on the surface of the metal base, wherein the Au plated layer has a thickness of 2 to 20 nm and arithmetic mean deviation of the profile (Ra) of 0.5 to 1.5 nm measured by an atomic force microscope within a crystal grain of the metal base.

Abstract: An interconnector is made of ferritic chromium steel, on which a cupriferous layer is disposed. This layer prevents interdiffusion between the chromium steel and additional components with which the interconnector has direct contact. According to the state of the art, such diffusion occurs particularly if these additional components contain nickel. In addition, the interconnector may comprise a chromium-containing oxide layer as a barrier against interdiffusion. For this purpose, the interconnector steel can also be preoxidized before applying the cupriferous layer. The interconnector has a significantly longer service life than interconnectors according to the state of the art, and it has improved electrical conductivity because the electrical contact surface thereof is free of oxides and has high transverse conductivity.

Abstract: A coolant inlet manifold for coolant supply passages is attached to an end plate of a fuel cell stack. Pillars are provided on at least one end of the coolant inlet manifold in a longitudinal direction thereof. The pillars are fitted into through holes formed in the end plate, and are connected to a manifold body and to a connector.

Abstract: A fuel cell has at least one engaging portion that protrudes from an outer edge of a cell and engages with a cell monitor so as to restrict movement of the cell monitor away from the cell. The cell has a plurality of engaging portions that are spaced apart from each other, and the engaging portions engage with one cell monitor at a plurality of positions of the cell. Separators of the cell contact at major surfaces thereof with cell monitor terminals. One cell monitor is mounted on a plurality of cells, and the terminals of the cell monitor are electrically connected to the separators of the cells.

Abstract: A combustible gas detector, which has low power consumption, low-noise and high-speed response and which enable miniaturization, a process for producing the combustible gas detector, and a fuel cell system equipped with a combustible gas detector are provided. The combustible gas detector for detecting a combustible gas includes a catalyst for reaction with the combustible gas, a first displacement unit including a flexible member, which is displaced with catalytic combustion by the reaction of the catalyst with the combustible gas, and electrical contacts, which are switched by the displacement of the flexible member in the first displacement unit.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly is disclosed, the fuel cell assembly including a pair of terminal plates, one terminal plate disposed at each end of the fuel cell assembly, a fuel cell disposed between a pair of end fuel cells and the terminal plates, and a thermally insulating, electrically conductive layer formed between the fuel cell and one of the terminal plates adapted to mitigate thermal losses from the end plate, and fluid condensation and ice formation in an end fuel cell. The end fuel cells of the fuel cell assembly have a membrane and/or a cathode having a thickness greater than an average thickness of a membrane and/or a cathode disposed in the fuel cell that may be used in conjunction with, or instead of, the insulating layer to further mitigate thermal losses from the end plate, and fluid condensation and ice formation in the end fuel cells.

Abstract: A fuel cell sealing plate taking-out method that may include forming an air layer between adjacent sealing plates and taking out a sealing plate from a stack of sealing plates one by one. A protrusion may be formed beforehand at one or more surfaces of each sealing plate. Also, a sealing plate taking-out apparatus having a suction pad and a projection that protrudes more than the suction pad toward the sealing plate. Due to the air layer formed between adjacent sealing plates, it may be possible to take out the sealing plate one by one from the stack of sealing plates.

Abstract: An interconnect element for electrically connecting an anode and a cathode in adjacent fuel cells in a fuel cell stack, wherein said interconnect element has at least one featured surface including dimples, bosses, and/or pins arranged in a two-dimensional pattern. Preferably, both surfaces are featured, as by mechanical dimpling, embossing, or chemical etching, so that protrusions of the interconnect surface extend into either or both of the adjacent gas flow spaces to make electrical contact with the surfaces of the anode and cathode. This permits conduction of heat from the anode. The protrusions create turbulence in gas flowing through the flow spaces, which increases hydrogen consumption at the anode and hence electric output of the cell.

Abstract: Electrochemical cell comprises, in one embodiment, a proton exchange membrane (PEM), an anode positioned along one face of the PEM, and a cathode positioned along the other face of the PEM. An electrically-conductive, compressible, spring-like, porous pad for defining a fluid cavity is placed in contact with the outer face of the cathode or the outer face of the anode. The porous pad comprises a particulate or mat of one or more doped- or reduced-valve metal oxides, which are bound together with one or more thermoplastic resins.

Abstract: There is provided an SOFC cell and manufacturing method thereof whereby the occurrence of Cr poisoning of the air electrode can be satisfactorily suppressed in an SOFC cell formed by joining together an air electrode with a Cr-containing alloy or the like. A Cr(VI) oxide suppressing state is induced for suppressing the formation of Cr(VI) oxides in an alloy or oxide during a firing process in which an alloy or oxide and an air electrode are fired in a state of being joined together.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for a solid oxide fuel cell, the electrode assembly including a porous ceramic oxide matrix and an array of fluid conduits. The porous ceramic oxide matrix includes a labyrinth of reinforcing walls interconnected to one another. Each of the fluid conduits is formed from the porous ceramic oxide matrix and has an external surface with a plurality of struts projecting outwardly therefrom and an internal surface defining a first passage for flowing a first fluid therethrough. The struts are configured to connect the fluid conduits to one another and the external surfaces and the struts define a second passage around the fluid conduits for flowing a second fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell includes two or more power generating elements each having a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte layer placed between the cathode and the anode; an interconnector electrically connecting the power generating elements and containing a chromite-based material; and a sealing portion provided between the electrolyte layer and the interconnector and not containing either Ni or ZrO2.

Abstract: A glass foaming material and method are disclosed for filling void spaces in electrochemical devices. The glass material includes a reagent that foams at a temperature above the softening point of the glass. Expansion of the glass fills void spaces including by-pass and tolerance channels of electrochemical devices. In addition, cassette to cassette seals can also be formed while channels and other void spaces are filled, reducing the number of processing steps needed.

Abstract: A method of preparing a solid oxide fuel cell is described herein, as well as the fuel cell itself. The method comprises forming a cathode layer comprising a strontium composition on a ceramic electrolyte layer; and forming a barrier layer between the cathode layer and an overlying interconnect structure comprising chromium, so as to substantially prevent the formation of strontium chromate.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell stack having a plurality of cassettes and a compliant glass seal disposed between the sealing surfaces of adjacent cassettes, thereby joining the cassettes and providing a hermetic seal therebetween. The compliant glass seal may include a glass, at least one metal selected from Groups 9, 10, and 11 of the periodic table, and fibers of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) to enhance the desirable properties of the compliant glass seal. The combined weight percentage of the at least one metal and YSZ in the compliant glass seal is 30 to 42.5 weight percent, preferably 37.5 percent.

Abstract: In a high-temperature fuel cell at least one electroconductive agent is provided for contacting an anode with an interconnector. Side edges of the interconnector are electrically connected with the anode by the electroconductive agent. Electrically nonconductive spring-loaded elements are provided between the anode and the interconnector for permitting relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid oxide fuel cell module. The solid oxide fuel cell module according to the present invention includes: a plurality of unit cells each formed by laminating an electrolyte and a cathode in this order on an outer circumferential surface of an anode support formed in a tubular shape; and one or more metal foam connection plates each formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness, the metal foam connection plate having grooves formed on one surface thereof in a thickness direction such that the unit cells are respectively received in the grooves. The present invention need not perform a complicated wiring process, unlike the prior art, by employing metal foam connection plates to collect current, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the manufacturing costs.

Abstract: An Au plated film 12 is formed on the surface of a plate-formed metal base 13 composed of a metal less noble than Au, and the product is cut along a planned cutting line 18 reflecting a contour of a desired component, to thereby form a separator 10. Thus-formed separator 10 has the Au plated film 12 formed on the main surface 10a thereof, and has a cutting plane 16 formed as an end face 16 stretched up to the main surface 10a. The metal base 13 exposes in a part of the cutting plane 16, in a width of the exposed region of 1 mm or less. This is successful in providing a metal component for fuel cell which is satisfactory in the corrosion resistance and allows easy fabrication at low costs, a method of manufacturing the same, and also in providing a fuel cell having thus-fabricated metal component for fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell is provided. The fuel cell includes a power generator incorporated in a housing having air intake ports, an electrical terminal connected to a printed-wiring board, and connectors and a fuel passage for supplying fuel. The terminals are formed in such configurations as to be insertion-mounted on the printed-wiring board or to be surface mounted on the printed-wiring board. The fuel cell is directly mounted on the printed-wiring board. Thus, a cell housing part or a fixing mechanism, a connector, for example, do not need to be provided on an electric device on which the fuel cell is mounted and the structure of the device itself is simplified and miniaturized.

Abstract: A method is provided for making an edge-sealed fuel cell membrane electrode assembly comprising the steps of: i) providing a suitable membrane electrode assembly lay-up; ii) positioning a suitable annular layer of a thermoplastic; and iii) applying pressure and heat sufficient to melt impregnate the thermoplastic into the fluid transport layer or layers of the membrane electrode assembly lay-up and simultaneously bond the fluid transport layer or layers to the polymer electrolyte membrane of the membrane electrode assembly lay-up. The polymer electrolyte membrane of the membrane electrode assembly lay-up may be perforated in its outer sealing area. Membrane electrode assemblies made according to the method of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell having a coupling structure, the solid oxide fuel cell including a plurality of cells, each cell having a cell cap at an end thereof; and the coupling structure, the coupling structure connecting the plurality of cells, wherein the coupling structure includes a connector, the connector including an insulating portion at a center thereof, and coupling portions adjacent to the insulating portion at respective sides of the insulating portion and coupled to the cell caps.

Abstract: A separator (41) for use in a fuel cell stack has an anode facing plate (44), a cathode facing plate (42), and an intermediate plate (45). The intermediate plate (45) has an air supply through-hole (452a), an air discharge through-hole (452b), a hydrogen supply through-hole (454a), and a hydrogen discharge through-hole (454b). The intermediate plate (45) also has through-holes (452c1, 452d1, 452e1, and 452f1). The air supply through-hole (452a) is in communication with the through-hole (452c1), the air discharge through-hole (452b) with the through-hole (452d1), the hydrogen supply through-hole (454a) with the through-hole (452e1), and the hydrogen discharge through-hole (454b) with the through-hole (452f1), respectively via communication passages (452c2, 452d2, 452e2, and 452f2) formed in the intermediate plate (45).

Abstract: A heat insulating member is sandwiched by a first separator and a second separator. The heat insulating member functions as a heat insulating layer to prevent the temperature decrease of electricity generating cells. A first impurity removal flow path is formed in the space enclosed by the grooves on the surface of the second separator and a partition plate. A second impurity removal flow path is formed in the space enclosed by the grooves on the surface of a third separator and the partition plate. The impurity removal flow paths function as filters to remove the impurities contained in the reaction gases. A terminal functions as a current collecting layer to collect the electricity generated in the electricity generating cells.

Abstract: An interconnector for high-temperature fuel cells is characterized in that the interconnector comprises two components (A, B) made of different materials. Component (A), which is in contact with the electrodes and ensures the electric connection between the fuel cell units, is made of a chromium oxide-forming, high-temperature alloy, and component (B), which connects the fuel cell units mechanically, is made of a corrosion-resistant, non-electroconducting, high-temperature material which does not bleed any chromium.

Abstract: An article of clothing with an on-demand power supply for electrical devices is provided. The power supply includes stiff planar fuel cell devices that are distributed in a plane. The number of fuel cells is dependent on the power requirements for the electrical devices. The planar stiff fuel cells are flexibly interconnected in the plane by a flexible interconnection, which allows the fuel cells to move with respect to each other out of the plane. This further allows the power supply to be nicely integrated in an article of clothing and minimizes negative impact to a body region or to the article of clothing. The electrical and fuel connections between the fuel cells are integrated with the flexible interconnection. To further integrate and increase ease of operation a control system is included to control the on-demand power supply or control power levels for the electrical device.

Abstract: Fuel cell systems (10) and related methods for limiting fuel cell slippage are provided. A stacked plurality of adjacent fuel cells (14) collectively forming a fuel cell stack (12). The fuel cells each include a pair of first and second plates (30, 30?, 30?; 32, 32?, 32?) at respective opposite ends thereof. A first fuel cell has a first plate (30, 30?, 30?) in engagement with a second plate (32, 32?, 32?) of a second fuel cell adjacent to the first fuel cell. A slip mitigation arrangement (50, 50?, 50?) between at least one of the pairs of the first and second fuel cells comprises first and second seats (62, 62?, 62?; 64, 64?, 64?) recessed in the engagement surfaces of the first and second conductive plates respectively, and a key member (60, 60?, 60?) having opposite ends seated in the first and the second recessed seats such that relative movement between the first and the second fuel cells is limited.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interconnector arrangement for a fuel cell stack, which can be brought into electrical contact with at least one membrane electrode assembly and which is arranged to separate a cathode flow field of the fuel cell stack from an anode flow field of the fuel cell stack. The invention is characterized in that the interconnector arrangement comprises a hollow space separated from the anode flow field and from the cathode flow field such that a flow of gas through the hollow space may not be more than five percent of flow-off gas through the cathode flow field or the anode flow field. The invention also relates to a fuel cell stack and to a method for manufacturing an interconnector arrangement.

Abstract: An electrically-conductive mesh spacer incorporated into the hydrogen and air gas flow spaces between each anode and cathode and its adjacent interconnect in a fuel cell stack. The mesh is formed of metal strands and is formed into a predetermined three-dimensional pattern to make contact at a plurality of points on the surfaces of the electrode and the interconnect element. The formed mesh spacer is secured as by brazing to the interconnect element at a plurality of locations to form an interconnect, which preserves the pattern during assembly of a fuel cell stack. The height of the formed pattern is greater than the height of a gas flow space after fuel cell assembly, such that the mesh spacer is slightly compressed during assembly of a fuel cell stack. Because the metal mesh is both compliant and resilient, the compressed spacer is continuously urged into mechanical and electrical contact with its electrode over all temperatures and pressures to which the fuel cell assembly may be subjected during use.

Abstract: A bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell is provided. The bipolar plate assembly includes a first electroformed unipolar plate disposed adjacent a second electroformed unipolar plate. The first and second unipolar plates are bonded by a plurality of localized electrically and thermally conductive plugs by electroplated material deposited within apertures formed in the substrates onto which the unipolar plates are electroformed. A method for forming the bipolar plate assembly is also described.

Abstract: A separator of a fuel cell, which is inserted between single cells, each single cell having an electrolyte sandwiched between electrodes, in order to stack the single cells together, includes gas diffusion portions which are arranged so as to cover a surface of the electrodes and in which are formed multiple air holes for gas diffusion, and spacer portions which form parallel divided gas passages on the back side of portions of the gas diffusion portions which cover the surface of the electrodes. The gas diffusion portions and the spacer portions are integrally formed by bending a wire mesh member to have a rectangular corrugated plate shaped cross-section. As a result, the air holes are formed evenly between the electrodes and the separator and high contact pressure is ensured by the contact of the fine wire mesh, thereby making it possible to both have the gas diffuse evenly and reduce the power collection resistance.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments directed to fixtures for mounting fuel cells, the fixtures comprising at least one internal frame member; a first endplate assembly comprising a first seal frame, and a first active area compression plate, and a second endplate assembly; wherein the internal frame member is located between the first endplate assembly and the second endplate assembly. Also described are methods of testing a fuel cell.