A stack of rectangular, planar electrochemical cell units (200), each cell unit (200) comprising at least one first fluid mid-port (230, 235) that is disposed midway along its length within or between one or more active cell chemistry regions (210) and is in fluid communication with a first fluid volume of the cell unit (200). The first fluid mid-ports (230, 235) of the respective cell units (200) align to form at least one first fluid mid-passageway extending in the stack direction. The stack is configured such that, in each first fluid volume, first fluid flow paths (405, 410) extend across the one or more active cell chemistry regions (210) between the at least one first fluid mid-port (230, 235) and each respective opposed cell end.

A stack of rectangular, planar electrochemical cell units (200), each cell unit (200) comprising at least one first fluid mid-port (230, 235) that is disposed midway along its length within or between one or more active cell chemistry regions (210) and is in fluid communication with a first fluid volume of the cell unit (200). The first fluid mid-ports (230, 235) of the respective cell units (200) align to form at least one first fluid mid-passageway extending in the stack direction. The stack is configured such that, in each first fluid volume, first fluid flow paths (405, 410) extend across the one or more active cell chemistry regions (210) between the at least one first fluid mid-port (230, 235) and each respective opposed cell end.

An interconnector plate for a fuel cell and a fuel cell system for an aircraft. For better extraction of the energy generated by the fuel cell, an interconnector plate can be attached by form fit to fixing studs of the fuel cell by retaining eyes. The interconnector plate may additionally be secured using glass solder. In preparation for a higher power density, a fuel cell can be produced in ceramic by 3D-printing and has an improved power density because of its helical shape.

An interconnector plate for a fuel cell and a fuel cell system for an aircraft. For better extraction of the energy generated by the fuel cell, an interconnector plate can be attached by form fit to fixing studs of the fuel cell by retaining eyes. The interconnector plate may additionally be secured using glass solder. In preparation for a higher power density, a fuel cell can be produced in ceramic by 3D-printing and has an improved power density because of its helical shape.

The invention relates to a fuel cell (1) for a fuel cell stack (11), comprising a polymer membrane (2) which serves as an electrolyte and has respectively on both sides a catalyst layer (3, 4) for forming an anode (3) on the one side and a cathode (4) on the other side, a gas diffusion layer (5) and a bipolar plate (6) being applied to each of the two analyst layers (3, 4). According to the invention, a short-circuit element (7) is applied, preferably printed, to at least one bipolar plate (6). namely on the side facing away from the gas diffusion layer (5). The invention also relates to a fuel cell stack (11) and to a inetliod for operating a fuel cell stack (11).

The invention relates to a fuel cell (1) for a fuel cell stack (11), comprising a polymer membrane (2) which serves as an electrolyte and has respectively on both sides a catalyst layer (3, 4) for forming an anode (3) on the one side and a cathode (4) on the other side, a gas diffusion layer (5) and a bipolar plate (6) being applied to each of the two analyst layers (3, 4). According to the invention, a short-circuit element (7) is applied, preferably printed, to at least one bipolar plate (6). namely on the side facing away from the gas diffusion layer (5). The invention also relates to a fuel cell stack (11) and to a inetliod for operating a fuel cell stack (11).

The invention relates to a method for the media-tight connection of two plate-shaped components (1, 2), in particular two monopolar plates for the production of a bipolar plate, comprising the steps of: placing the first component (1) on a surface of a clamping device, placing the second component (2) on the first component (1), closing the clamping device, setting a first weld seam (3) on the second component (2), wherein a welding depth (t) is selected that is less than a material thickness (s) of the second component (2), with the result that a bend (5) is formed along the first weld seam (3) owing to the welding distortion, via which bend the second component (2) comes into linear contact with the first component (1), setting a connecting weld seam (4) on the first weld seam (3), with the result that the two components (1, 2) are welded to one another along the bend (5).

The invention relates to a method for the media-tight connection of two plate-shaped components (1, 2), in particular two monopolar plates for the production of a bipolar plate, comprising the steps of: placing the first component (1) on a surface of a clamping device, placing the second component (2) on the first component (1), closing the clamping device, setting a first weld seam (3) on the second component (2), wherein a welding depth (t) is selected that is less than a material thickness (s) of the second component (2), with the result that a bend (5) is formed along the first weld seam (3) owing to the welding distortion, via which bend the second component (2) comes into linear contact with the first component (1), setting a connecting weld seam (4) on the first weld seam (3), with the result that the two components (1, 2) are welded to one another along the bend (5).

A plug connector is provided for making electrical contact with a multiple number of bipolar plates having a contact groove. The plug connector includes a plug body formed from electrically insulating material, through which plug body a multiple number of electrically separated contact elements are guided, one contact element of each of which engaging in a corresponding contact groove of one of the bipolar plates and thereby making electrical contact with the bipolar plate. Each of the contact elements takes the form of an elastically deformable wire bracket engaging in the contact groove. A bipolar plate may be combined with a plug connector and other components of a fuel cell stack.

A plug connector is provided for making electrical contact with a multiple number of bipolar plates having a contact groove. The plug connector includes a plug body formed from electrically insulating material, through which plug body a multiple number of electrically separated contact elements are guided, one contact element of each of which engaging in a corresponding contact groove of one of the bipolar plates and thereby making electrical contact with the bipolar plate. Each of the contact elements takes the form of an elastically deformable wire bracket engaging in the contact groove. A bipolar plate may be combined with a plug connector and other components of a fuel cell stack.