Integrated seal for fuel cell assembly and fuel cell stack

摘要

A solid polymer fuel cell comprising a membrane electrode assembly that is in adhesive contact with a first flow field plate around the circumferential edge of the membrane electrode assembly and in non-adhesive contact with a second flow field plate, and an elastomeric manifold seal member that circumscribes at least one manifold opening of the first flow field plate and the second flow field plate. In this configuration, the adhesive substantially seals a first reactant gas while the manifold seal member substantially seals a second reactant gas, thereby improving sealing reliability and simplifying the seal design without overly compressing and damaging the circumferential edge of the membrane electrode assembly.