BIPOLAR PLATE HAVING OFFSETS

摘要

A bipolar plate (70) for a PEM fuel cell is disclosed. The plate includes a plurality of channels (62), wherein the ends of the channels are staggered. The plate also includes a plurality of tunnels (88), wherein the ends of the tunnels are staggered. The plate further includes a cathode and an anode, wherein a portion of the cathode overhangs a portion of the anode. These staggered/offset features allow for an increase the capillary meniscus of water droplets passing therethrough, allowing for a reduction in the pressure required to move the water through the cell and out to the header volume of the stack.