A fuel cell stack according to the present disclosure includes a collector configured to collect electric power generated by a plurality of fuel battery cells. The collector includes a structure in which the separator and the collector plate adhere to each other with a seal member interposed therebetween. A space formed by the collector plate, the separator, and the seal member is a closed space. The collector includes a ventilation structure for discharging gas from the closed space to the outside when a pressure in the closed space rises.

A fuel cell stack according to the present disclosure includes a collector configured to collect electric power generated by a plurality of fuel battery cells. The collector includes a structure in which the separator and the collector plate adhere to each other with a seal member interposed therebetween. A space formed by the collector plate, the separator, and the seal member is a closed space. The collector includes a ventilation structure for discharging gas from the closed space to the outside when a pressure in the closed space rises.

A method of manufacturing a porous structure for a fuel cell is disclosed. The method includes providing the porous structure, and processing the porous structure to selectively produce a non-porous region on the porous structure. In one example, the non-porous region is provided at the perimeter of the porous structure, an edge of an internal manifold and/or a surface or recess that supports a seal or gasket. The non-porous region has a porosity that is less than the porosity of the porous structure. The non-porous region prevents undesired leakage of fluid from the porous structure and prevents migration of adhesive associated with the seals.

A method of manufacturing a porous structure for a fuel cell is disclosed. The method includes providing the porous structure, and processing the porous structure to selectively produce a non-porous region on the porous structure. In one example, the non-porous region is provided at the perimeter of the porous structure, an edge of an internal manifold and/or a surface or recess that supports a seal or gasket. The non-porous region has a porosity that is less than the porosity of the porous structure. The non-porous region prevents undesired leakage of fluid from the porous structure and prevents migration of adhesive associated with the seals.

A fuel cell comprises a membrane electrode assembly configured such that electrode catalyst layers are formed on respective surfaces of an electrolyte membrane; gas diffusion layers placed on respective surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly; and a frame placed around periphery of the membrane electrode assembly. The membrane electrode assembly has a protruding portion that is configured by protruding outside of the gas diffusion layer in a state that the membrane electrode assembly is combined with the gas diffusion layers. The frame has an engagement portion that is configured to engage with the protruding portion. An adhesive layer is formed from an ultraviolet curable adhesive between the protruding portion and the engagement portion.

A fuel cell comprises a membrane electrode assembly configured such that electrode catalyst layers are formed on respective surfaces of an electrolyte membrane; gas diffusion layers placed on respective surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly; and a frame placed around periphery of the membrane electrode assembly. The membrane electrode assembly has a protruding portion that is configured by protruding outside of the gas diffusion layer in a state that the membrane electrode assembly is combined with the gas diffusion layers. The frame has an engagement portion that is configured to engage with the protruding portion. An adhesive layer is formed from an ultraviolet curable adhesive between the protruding portion and the engagement portion.

An electrochemical reactor, including a flow guide; a membrane/electrode assembly; a peripheral seal; an intermediate seal encircled by the peripheral seal and encircling a reaction zone of the electrochemical reactor; a first flow circuit for cooling fluid arranged between the peripheral seal and the intermediate seal, including a first flow channel extending along the peripheral seal; a second flow channel extending along the intermediate seal; and a third flow channel connecting the respective second ends of the first and second flow channels, so that a fluid introduced at the level of the first manifold must pass through the third flow channel to return to the second manifold.

A fuel cell FC includes: a cell structure 3 including an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and an electrolyte 5 that intervenes between the anode electrode 7 and the cathode electrode 6; and a pair of separators 4 that forms an anode gas flow area G1 and a cathode gas flow area G2 between the cell structure 3 and an anode-side separator and a cathode-side separator of the pair of separators 4, respectively. The fuel cell further includes: a first sealing portion S1 and a second sealing portion S2 that are disposed on an anode electrode side of the cell structure 3 to enclose respectively the anode gas flow area G1 and an outer periphery of the first sealing portion S1. A flow path F for oxygen-containing gas is formed between the first sealing portion S1 and the second sealing portion S2. This double sealing structure prevents leakage of the anode gas. Even in case the first sealing portion S1 deteriorates, the anode gas that has passed through the first sealing portion is inactivated before it is discharged to the outside.

A fuel cell comprises a membrane electrode assembly configured such that electrode catalyst layers are formed on respective surfaces of an electrolyte membrane; gas diffusion layers placed on respective surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly; and a frame placed around periphery of the membrane electrode assembly. The membrane electrode assembly has a protruding portion that is configured by protruding outside of the gas diffusion layer in a state that the membrane electrode assembly is combined with the gas diffusion layers. The frame has an engagement portion that is configured to engage with the protruding portion. An adhesive layer is formed from an ultraviolet curable adhesive between the protruding portion and the engagement portion.

A fuel cell comprises a membrane electrode assembly configured such that electrode catalyst layers are formed on respective surfaces of an electrolyte membrane; gas diffusion layers placed on respective surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly; and a frame placed around periphery of the membrane electrode assembly. The membrane electrode assembly has a protruding portion that is configured by protruding outside of the gas diffusion layer in a state that the membrane electrode assembly is combined with the gas diffusion layers. The frame has an engagement portion that is configured to engage with the protruding portion. An adhesive layer is formed from an ultraviolet curable adhesive between the protruding portion and the engagement portion.