Fuel cell assembly unit for promoting fluid service and design flexibility

Abstract

In one aspect, a first (flow field) plate of a fuel cell assembly includes a first flow channel(s) thereon. Fluid is conducted to the flow channel through an opening extending through the first plate. An adjacent second plate cooperates in providing surface(s) for a flow path between a manifold and the opening. Additional surface(s) may cooperate in providing the flow path and/or structural support therefor. A formation on the first plate may impede fluid communication from the manifold plate on a plate face including the first flow channel. The formation may provide structural support in a (e.g., PEM-type) fuel cell assembly, and/or a clamping and/or gasketing function for a membrane electrode assembly. A second flow path may similarly be provided for humidification of the (e.g., reactant) fluid. The second flow path may include flow regulator(s) and/or metering orifice(s). The second plate may include a second flow channel thereon. Flow path(s) for the second plate may be configured to provide the aforementioned surface(s) for the flow path(s) for the first plate without interference among fluid service for each plate. A multiplication of manifolds for a fluid may allow a manifold to omit service for a plate, where a different manifold may service the omitted plate.