Bipolar plate for a fuel cell comprising a by-passed serpentine flow path for oxidant gas; a cooling plate for a fuel cell comprising a by-passed serpentine flow path for coolant fluid; fuel cell comprising such plates and uses thereof

Abstract

A bipolar plate for a fuel cell is provided. The bipolar plate having flow channels for oxidant gas; said flow channels for oxidant gas comprising one or more grooves each representing a serpentine path; wherein each said serpentine path independently comprises N consecutive legs L, L, . . . L; connected to each other by N−1 consecutive turn sections, T, T, . . . T; wherein each leg L, L, . . . Lbeing lengthwise separated from its consecutive leg L, L, . . . Lby a wall section, W, W, . . . W; wherein each turn section representing a 180° change of flow direction of oxidant gas; wherein N is an odd integer of 3 or more; and wherein one or more of the wall sections W, W, . . . Windependently comprise one or more by-pass channels for allowing oxidant gas to flow via a short cut from one leg Lto its consecutive leg L; 1≦x≦N−1; thereby by passing a part of the leg Land a part of the leg L. Furthermore, a cooling plate having a similar design is provided. The bipolar plate as well as the cooling plate provide for more efficient supply of fluids over the surface of the plate.