A separator unit for a fuel cell includes a separator including a reaction region, a plurality of manifolds formed on each side of the reaction region, and a reaction surface and a cooling surface formed on each surface thereof, a reaction surface internal gasket forming a reaction surface internal airtight line, and a reaction surface external gasket forming a reaction surface external airtight line, wherein at least one cut portion formed by removing the reaction surface external gasket is formed in the reaction surface external airtight line surrounding at least one of the plurality of manifolds.

A manufacturing apparatus for a fuel cell member includes a positioning device for positioning a resin frame equipped membrane electrode assembly and a separator member. This positioning device includes a base and positioning pins which are inserted into positioning holes formed in the resin frame equipped membrane electrode assembly and the separator member. Lifting members are provided around the positioning pins. The lifting member is lifted and lowered by a lifting mechanism.

A cell stack includes a plurality of single cells, wherein each single cell includes a membrane electrode assembly having a cathode, an anode, an interposed membrane, and an anode gas diffusion layer wherein a) in a single cell, the anode gas diffusion layer and a cathode gas diffusion layer are arranged in relation to one another such that a first thickness gradient of the anode gas diffusion layer and a second thickness gradient of the cathode gas diffusion layer run opposite to one another or b) in two or more single cells, the anode gas diffusion layers are arranged in relation to one another such that an overall thickness gradient of the anode gas diffusion layers is minimized and/or wherein in two or more single cells, the cathode gas diffusion layers are arranged such that an overall thickness gradient of the cathode gas diffusion layers is minimized.

A cell stack includes a plurality of single cells, wherein each single cell includes a membrane electrode assembly having a cathode, an anode, an interposed membrane, and an anode gas diffusion layer wherein a) in a single cell, the anode gas diffusion layer and a cathode gas diffusion layer are arranged in relation to one another such that a first thickness gradient of the anode gas diffusion layer and a second thickness gradient of the cathode gas diffusion layer run opposite to one another or b) in two or more single cells, the anode gas diffusion layers are arranged in relation to one another such that an overall thickness gradient of the anode gas diffusion layers is minimized and/or wherein in two or more single cells, the cathode gas diffusion layers are arranged such that an overall thickness gradient of the cathode gas diffusion layers is minimized.

An embodiment gas diffusion layer unit for a fuel cell includes a gas diffusion layer disposed on a surface of a membrane electrode assembly and a sub-gasket, the sub-gasket surrounding and supporting an edge of the membrane electrode assembly, and an elastic member provided in a predetermined area of an edge of the gas diffusion layer, the elastic member being integrated with the gas diffusion layer and being in contact with the sub-gasket.

An embodiment gas diffusion layer unit for a fuel cell includes a gas diffusion layer disposed on a surface of a membrane electrode assembly and a sub-gasket, the sub-gasket surrounding and supporting an edge of the membrane electrode assembly, and an elastic member provided in a predetermined area of an edge of the gas diffusion layer, the elastic member being integrated with the gas diffusion layer and being in contact with the sub-gasket.

A fuel cell includes end cell heaters each disposed on outer sides of end cells disposed at both ends of the fuel cell stack. The end cell heaters each include a support formed in a plate shape having fuel channels and air channels. A heat generating part is formed in the support. Electricity conduction blocks are coupled to the support.

A fuel cell includes end cell heaters each disposed on outer sides of end cells disposed at both ends of the fuel cell stack. The end cell heaters each include a support formed in a plate shape having fuel channels and air channels. A heat generating part is formed in the support. Electricity conduction blocks are coupled to the support.

A method for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell comprises the following steps: a first step during which a chemical catalyst element is deposited on a first face of an ion-exchanging membrane, the membrane being held on a support film; a second step during which the membrane is unglued from the support film; a third step during which the membrane is inserted between two reinforcing elements; and a fourth step during which a chemical catalyst element is deposited on the part left free of the second face of the membrane.

A method for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell comprises the following steps: a first step during which a chemical catalyst element is deposited on a first face of an ion-exchanging membrane, the membrane being held on a support film; a second step during which the membrane is unglued from the support film; a third step during which the membrane is inserted between two reinforcing elements; and a fourth step during which a chemical catalyst element is deposited on the part left free of the second face of the membrane.