Micro fuel cell architecture

Chemistry: electrical current producing apparatus – product – and – Fuel cell – subcombination thereof – or method of making or... – Grouping of fuel cells into stack or module

Reexamination Certificate

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C429S452000, C429S457000, C429S458000, C429S463000, C429S508000, C429S514000, C429S535000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07935452

ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to fuel cells and components used within a fuel cell. Heat transfer appendages are described that improve fuel cell thermal management. Each heat transfer appendage is arranged on an external portion of a bi-polar plate and permits conductive heat transfer between inner portions of the bi-polar plate and outer portions of the bi-polar plate proximate to the appendage. The heat transfer appendage may be used for heating or cooling inner portions of a fuel cell stack. Improved thermal management provided by cooling the heat transfer appendages also permits new channel field designs that distribute the reactant gases to a membrane electrode assembly. Flow buffers are described that improve delivery of reactant gases and removal of reaction products. Single plate bi-polar plates may also include staggered channel designs that reduce the thickness of the single plate.

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