Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Christopher J Towner

Matthew J Beutel

Jon P Owejan

John C Fagley

Stuart D Barter

A fuel cell component includes a sub-gasket including a structural component and a thermally conductive layer. The sub-gasket defines a central opening while the structural component includes a first side and a second side. The sub-gasket also has an inner portion proximate to the central opening and an outer portion. The inner portion is positioned between the cathode layer outer edge and the ion-conducting membrane outer edge or between the anode layer outer edge and the ion-conducting membrane outer edge. Finally, the thermally conductive layer contacts the second side of the structural component. Advantageously, the thermally conductive layer dissipates locally generated heat caused by unintended particles falling on the sub-gasket.

Subgasket design to dissipate thermal energy generated from catalytic combustion experienced in a PEM fuel cell

A component for reducing the likelihood of ice-related blockage in a fuel cell and methods for starting a fuel cell system. In one embodiment, the component is a separate insert configured with a sharp leading edge such that water droplets present in a reactant fluid that pass through an orifice in the component are conveyed away from an unstable formation at the edge to a more stable formation in an adjacent part of the component. In one form, the component is sized to fit within a valve inlet that in turn is placed in a humid reactant flowpath. In this way, when the fuel cell is operated in cold conditions&#x2014;such as those associated with temperatures at or below the freezing point of water&#x2014;the water droplets do not freeze in the area around the orifice such that ice-related blockage of the flowpath does not occur.

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Hamlin, NY, United States of America

Christopher J Towner