CURRENT COLLECTOR FOR A FUEL CELL

摘要

A fuel cell stack assembly has a plurality of cells in a stack configuration. Each cell comprises a membrane-electrode assembly disposed between an anode flow plate and a cathode flow plate. A current collector plate is disposed at each end of the stack and a compression assembly maintains the stack under compression. At least one of the current collector plates is formed as a printed circuit board having a first face disposed against a cathode flow plate or an anode flow plate of an outermost cell in the stack and a second face opposite the first face. The first face includes an electrically conductive layer disposed on a substrate of the printed circuit board to serve as a stack current collector electrode. Electrical components such as temperature sensors can be mounted on the printed circuit board such that they lie in or adjacent to a flow channel extending along an adjacent face of the anode or cathode flow plate. The printed circuit board can provide laterally extending connection tabs for electrical connection to the current collector electrode and to the electrical components.

主权项

1. A fuel cell stack assembly comprising:
a plurality of cells in a stack configuration, each cell comprising a membrane-electrode assembly disposed between an anode flow plate and a cathode flow plate; a current collector plate at each end of the stack; and a compression assembly configured to maintain the stack under compression; wherein at least one of the current collector plates comprises a printed circuit board having a first face disposed against a cathode flow plate or an anode flow plate of an outermost cell in the stack; and wherein the first face includes an electrically conductive layer disposed on a substrate of the printed circuit board.