초록 ▼

A fuel cell assembly within an electrochemical fuel cell stack has an anode layer and a cathode layer. A cooling layer is disposed adjacent the fuel cell assembly. Each layer comprises channels for directing a fluid stream from an inlet to a an outlet. The coolant stream channels extend such that, i

A fuel cell assembly within an electrochemical fuel cell stack has an anode layer and a cathode layer. A cooling layer is disposed adjacent the fuel cell assembly. Each layer comprises channels for directing a fluid stream from an inlet to a an outlet. The coolant stream channels extend such that, in operation, the coolest region of the cooling layer coincides with the region of the cathode layer having the highest concentration of oxygen (and/or the lowest water content), and the warmest region of the cooling layer coincides with the region of the cathode layer having the lowest concentration of oxygen (and/or the highest water content). The fuel stream channels extend such that, in operation, the fuel stream is directed to a region of the anode layer which coincides with the region of the cathode layer in which the oxidant stream has the lowest concentration of oxygen (and/or the highest water content) and is subsequently directed to a region of the anode layer which coincides with the region of the cathode layer in which the oxidant stream has the highest concentration of oxygen (and/or the lowest water content).

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An electrochemical fuel cell stack comprising at least one fuel cell assembly, said assembly comprising:A. at least one fuel cell comprising:1. an anode layer comprising at least one fuel stream inlet, at least one fuel stream outlet, and means for flowing a fuel stream f

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An electrochemical fuel cell stack comprising at least one fuel cell assembly, said assembly comprising:A. at least one fuel cell comprising:1. an anode layer comprising at least one fuel stream inlet, at least one fuel stream outlet, and means for flowing a fuel stream from said at least one fuel stream inlet to said at least one fuel stream outlet;2. a cathode layer comprising at least one oxidant stream inlet, at least one oxidant stream outlet, and means for flowing an oxidant stream from said at least one oxidant stream inlet to said at least one oxidant stream outlet, said oxidant stream comprising oxygen and water formed by the electrochemical reaction of said fuel and said oxygen;3. an electrolyte interposed between said anode layer and said cathode layer; andB. a cooling layer disposed adjacent said cathode layer, said cooling layer comprising at least one coolant stream inlet, at least one coolant stream outlet, and means for flowing a coolant stream from said at least one coolant stream inlet to said at least one coolant stream outlet; rein said coolant stream flowing means directs said coolant stream such that the coolest region of said cooling layer substantially coincides with the region of said cathode layer in which said oxidant stream has the lowest water content, and the warmest region of said cooling layer substantially coincides with the region of said cathode layer in which said oxidant stream has the highest water content; and wherein said fuel stream flowing means directs said fuel stream to a region of said anode layer which substantially coincides with the region of said cathode layer in which said oxidant stream has the highest water content and subsequently directs said fuel stream to a region of said anode layer which substantially coincides with the region of said cathode layer in which said oxidant stream has the lowest water content.