Fuel cell assemblies comprising at least one thermally compensated coolant channel are provided. The thermally compensated coolant channel has a cross-sectional area that decreases in the coolant flow direction along at least a portion of the channel length. In some embodiments, such thermally compensated coolant channels can be used to provide substantially uniform heat flux, and substantially isothermal conditions, in fuel cells operating with substantially uniform current density.

Fuel cell assemblies comprising at least one thermally compensated coolant channel are provided. The thermally compensated coolant channel has a cross-sectional area that decreases in the coolant flow direction along at least a portion of the channel length. In some embodiments, such thermally compensated coolant channels can be used to provide substantially uniform heat flux, and substantially isothermal conditions, in fuel cells operating with substantially uniform current density.

This invention describes a low-cost, lightweight, high-performance composite bipolar plate for fuel cell applications. The composite bipolar plate can be produced using stamped or pressed into the final form including flow channels and other structures prior to curing.

This invention describes a low-cost, lightweight, high-performance composite bipolar plate for fuel cell applications. The composite bipolar plate can be produced using stamped or pressed into the final form including flow channels and other structures prior to curing.

A component for an electrochemical cell is formed by additive manufacturing process. The additive manufacturing process can be repeated to produce fuel cell stack.

A component for an electrochemical cell is formed by additive manufacturing process. The additive manufacturing process can be repeated to produce fuel cell stack.

Disclosed is a fuel cell with improved thermal distribution in a stack including two more unit cells stacked therein. The fuel cell includes a stack including the two more unit cells and separators each having manifolds formed through four sides thereof, a first chamber having an internal space so as to receive air and fuel from the outside and to transfer the air and fuel to a second chamber and so as to receive the air and fuel discharged from the stack and to discharge the air and fuel to the outside, a second chamber having an internal space so as to receive the air and fuel from the first chamber and to transfer the air and fuel to the stack, and a connecting part connecting the first chamber to the second chamber so as to allow the air and fuel to flow to the second chamber from the first chamber.

Disclosed is a fuel cell with improved thermal distribution in a stack including two more unit cells stacked therein. The fuel cell includes a stack including the two more unit cells and separators each having manifolds formed through four sides thereof, a first chamber having an internal space so as to receive air and fuel from the outside and to transfer the air and fuel to a second chamber and so as to receive the air and fuel discharged from the stack and to discharge the air and fuel to the outside, a second chamber having an internal space so as to receive the air and fuel from the first chamber and to transfer the air and fuel to the stack, and a connecting part connecting the first chamber to the second chamber so as to allow the air and fuel to flow to the second chamber from the first chamber.

An illustrative example fuel cell cooler plate includes a first side configured to be received adjacent a fuel cell component and a second side facing opposite the first side. The first side defines a first surface area of the plate. An edge is transverse to the first side and the second side. The edge has a surface area that is less than the first surface area. A first coolant passage within the plate is closer to the second side than the first side. A second coolant passage is between the first side and the first coolant passage. The second coolant passage is in a heat exchange relationship with the first coolant passage.

An illustrative example fuel cell cooler plate includes a first side configured to be received adjacent a fuel cell component and a second side facing opposite the first side. The first side defines a first surface area of the plate. An edge is transverse to the first side and the second side. The edge has a surface area that is less than the first surface area. A first coolant passage within the plate is closer to the second side than the first side. A second coolant passage is between the first side and the first coolant passage. The second coolant passage is in a heat exchange relationship with the first coolant passage.