Multiple transition flow field and method

摘要

A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly having an anode side and a cathode side, a first gas diffusion layer adjacent the cathode side of the membrane electrode assembly, and a first flow field plate contacting the first gas diffusion layer. The first flow field plate includes a reactant inlet, a reactant outlet, and a plurality of flow field chambers separated from one another by at least one rib. The reactant inlet is separated from the plurality of flow field chambers by at least one rib and the reactant outlet is separated from the plurality of flow field chambers by at least one rib. The ribs are configured to force a reactant flowing from the reactant inlet to the reactant outlet to enter the first gas diffusion layer at least twice.

主权项

1. A fuel cell comprising:
a membrane electrode assembly having an anode side and a cathode side; a first gas diffusion layer adjacent the cathode side of the membrane electrode assembly; a first flow field plate having a surface, the surface in contact with the first gas diffusion layer, the first flow field plate including:
a first reactant inlet channel formed on the surface;a first reactant outlet channel formed on the surface;a plurality of ribs formed on the surface;a plurality of first flow field chambers physically separated from one another by ones of the plurality of ribs, the plurality of ribs and the plurality of first flow field chambers physically separating the first reactant inlet channel from the first reactant outlet channel, the plurality of ribs and the plurality of first flow field chambers being configured to force a reactant to leave the plurality of first flow field chambers and to enter the first gas diffusion layer at least twice.