Electrochemical fuel cell stack with humidification section located upstream from the electrochemically active section

摘要

An electrochemical fuel cell stack has a humidification section located upstream from the electrochemically active section. The inlet fuel and oxidant streams are introduced into the humidification section without first being directed through the electrochemically active section. The upstream location of the humidification section in the stack enables the number of manifold openings in the active section to be reduced, thereby increasing the area available for the electrochemical reaction.