Fluid flow plate, fuel cell assembly system, and method employing same for controlling heat in fuel cells

摘要

A fluid flow plate for a fuel cell includes a generally planar-shaped body having a sealed chamber therein containing a heat-transferring fluid. A first portion of the body has an outer surface with at least one flow channel for distributing a first reactant fluid to an active region of the fuel cell. The first portion is operable to absorb heat to vaporize the heat-transferring fluid and a second portion, preferably extending beyond the active region, is operable to release heat for condensing vaporized heat-transferring fluid. Also disclosed is a system which includes a fuel cell assembly having a plurality of fuel cells and a plurality of planar-shaped heat pipes disposed between the plurality of fuel cells. A housing comprises a chamber for receiving a reactant fluid. The plurality of planar-shaped heat pipes extend into the chamber for transferring heat between the fuel cell assembly and a reactant fluid.