초록 ▼

Fluid service and/or electrical conductivity for a fuel cell assembly is promoted. Open-faced flow channel(s) are formed in a flow field plate face, and extend in the flow field plate face between entry and exit fluid manifolds. A resilient gas diffusion layer is located between the flow field plate

Fluid service and/or electrical conductivity for a fuel cell assembly is promoted. Open-faced flow channel(s) are formed in a flow field plate face, and extend in the flow field plate face between entry and exit fluid manifolds. A resilient gas diffusion layer is located between the flow field plate face and a membrane electrode assembly, fluidly serviced with the open-faced flow channel(s). The resilient gas diffusion layer is restrained against entering the open-faced flow channel(s) under a compressive force applied to the fuel cell assembly. In particular, a first side of a support member abuts the flow field plate face, and a second side of the support member abuts the resilient gas diffusion layer. The support member is formed with a plurality of openings extending between the first and second sides of the support member. In addition, a clamping pressure is maintained for an interface between the resilient gas diffusion layer and a portion of the membrane electrode assembly. Preferably, the support member is spikeless and/or substantially flat. Further, the support member is formed with an electrical path for conducting current between the resilient gas diffusion layer and position(s) on the flow field plate face.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of promoting fluid service for a fuel cell assembly, said method comprising:providing a flow field plate of said fuel cell assembly, said flow field plate having an open-faced flow channel formed in a face of said plate and extending between entry and exit fluid

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of promoting fluid service for a fuel cell assembly, said method comprising:providing a flow field plate of said fuel cell assembly, said flow field plate having an open-faced flow channel formed in a face of said plate and extending between entry and exit fluid manifolds for said fuel cell assembly, said open-faced flow channel adapted to service at least one fluid for a membrane electrode assembly of said fuel cell assembly;locating a resilient gas diffusion layer between said flow field plate face and said membrane electrode assembly, said resilient gas diffusion layer adapted to dynamically occupy a space in said fuel cell assembly; andrestraining said resilient gas diffusion layer against entering said open-faced flow channel under a compressive force applied to said fuel cell assembly, wherein said restraining includes abutting a first side of a support member with said flow field plate face, and abutting a second side of said support member with said resilient gas diffusion layer, said support member formed with a plurality of openings extending between said first and second sides, whereby fluid service is promoted.