Dual channel step in fuel cell plate

摘要

A fuel cell plate assembly includes a first plate having a feed region and an active region. A plurality of flow channels is formed in the first plate and connects the feed region and the active region. The first plate further includes a first step oriented transverse to the flow channels in the feed region and a second step oriented transverse to the flow channels in the active region. The second step is formed only in the flow channels of the first plate.

主权项

1. A fuel cell plate assembly comprising:
a first plate having a feed region including a header aperture formed therein and an active region, a plurality of flow channels formed in the first plate connecting the header aperture of the feed region and the active region, the first plate further including a first step oriented transverse to the flow channels in the feed region and a second step oriented transverse to the flow channels in the active region, the first step formed in both the flow channels and lands separating the flow channels in the feed region of the first plate, the first step formed in a portion of the first plate spaced apart from a perimeter of the header aperture in a direction toward the active region of the first plate, and the second step formed only in the flow channels and not in lands separating the flow channels in the active region of the first plate, a depth of the flow channels in the active region inboard from the second step greater than the depth of the flow channels outboard from the second step.