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In a hydrogen gas fuel cell a polymer electrolyte membrane, or "PEM," is located between two layers composed of a catalyst material such that a sandwich-like assembly is formed. An anode electrode and a cathode electrode, each composed of a thin sheet of porous material that is permeable to liquid a

In a hydrogen gas fuel cell a polymer electrolyte membrane, or "PEM," is located between two layers composed of a catalyst material such that a sandwich-like assembly is formed. An anode electrode and a cathode electrode, each composed of a thin sheet of porous material that is permeable to liquid and gas, are situated on either side of the sandwich-like assembly such that one surface of each electrode abuts a catalyst layer. The remaining surface of each electrode abuts a conductive nonporous bipolar plate having grooves cut therein. Wicking strands composed of a trilobed fiber are located in between each catalyst layer and the adjacent PEM, and arranged in a repetitive pattern such that the strands do not cross over each other. Each wicking strand abutting the PEM surface facing the anode electrode has one end situated in a reservoir of liquid water. Each wicking strand abutting the PEM surface facing the cathode electrode drains into an exhaust reservoir.

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In a hydrogen gas fuel cell a polymer electrolyte membrane, or "PEM," is located between two layers composed of a catalyst material such that a sandwich-like assembly is formed. An anode electrode and a cathode electrode, each composed of a thin sheet of porous material that is permeable to liquid a

In a hydrogen gas fuel cell a polymer electrolyte membrane, or "PEM," is located between two layers composed of a catalyst material such that a sandwich-like assembly is formed. An anode electrode and a cathode electrode, each composed of a thin sheet of porous material that is permeable to liquid and gas, are situated on either side of the sandwich-like assembly such that one surface of each electrode abuts a catalyst layer. The remaining surface of each electrode abuts a conductive nonporous bipolar plate having grooves cut therein. Wicking strands composed of a trilobed fiber are located in between each catalyst layer and the adjacent PEM, and arranged in a repetitive pattern such that the strands do not cross over each other. Each wicking strand abutting the PEM surface facing the anode electrode has one end situated in a reservoir of liquid water. Each wicking strand abutting the PEM surface facing the cathode electrode drains into an exhaust reservoir. for fluidly communicating the fuel source with the anode electrode. 16. The hydration apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein: the fuel cell includes a cathode catalyst layer; the membrane includes a cathode-side surface; and said strand lies in between and abuts the cathode catalyst layer and the cathode-side surface, whereby water is removed from the cathode-side surface of the membrane to the location. 17. The hydration apparatus as defined in claim 16 wherein: said strand is comprised of a plurality of strands; and said strands form a repetitive pattern. 18. The hydration apparatus as defined in claim 17 wherein: the fuel cell includes a cathode electrode; and the cathode electrode abuts the cathode catalyst layer. 19. The hydration apparatus as defined in claim 18 wherein: the fuel cell includes a cathode bipolar plate and a reduction gas source; and the cathode bipolar plate includes cathode manifold means for fluidly communicating the reduction gas source with the cathode electrode. 20. An apparatus for hydrating a membrane in a fuel cell comprising: a membrane having two major sides, an anode-facing side and a cathode-facing side; an anode catalyst layer lying adjacent said anode-facing side; a wicking strand for conducting water, with said wicking strand abutting said anode-facing side of said membrane and abutting said anode catalyst layer; and an anode electrode abutting said anode catalyst layer. 21. The hydration apparatus defined in claim 20 wherein: said wicking strand is comprised of a single strand of wicking material; and said strand has a cross section having three lobes. 22. The hydration apparatus defined in claim 21 further comprising: three channels being formed by said lobes, whereby water is conducted by said strand by means of having it flow through said channels. 23. The hydration apparatus as defined in claim 22 wherein: said strand has an axial axis of symmetry; said lobes extend radially from said axis; and each lobe includes arm having a distal end and a flange attached to said distal end. 24. The hydration apparatus defined in claim 23 further comprising: a cathode catalyst layer lying adjacent the cathode-facing side; said strand being located in between and abutting the cathode-facing side and the cathode catalyst layer, and a cathode electrode abutting the cathode catalyst layer, whereby water is removed from the cathode-facing side of the membrane. 25. The hydration apparatus defined in claim 23 further comprising a reservoir for containing a volume of water, wherein: said strand is situated in between and abutting the anode-facing side and the anode catalyst layer; and said strand communicates with the reservoir, whereby water is conducted to the anode-facing side of the membrane.