Patent ID: 8722271
Filing Date: 2014-05-13
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A flow field plate for a bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell stack comprising: opposing major surfaces for distribution of a reactant and a coolant respectively; a reactant port for the inlet of the reactant; a reactant port for the outlet of the reactant; a backfeed port adjacent to one of the reactant ports, the backfeed port fluidly connected to the one of the reactant ports by a passage formed in the coolant surface of the plate; a reactant flow field comprising a flow field formed in the reactant surface of the plate and fluidly connected to the reactant backfeed port and to the other reactant port; a coolant port for the inlet of the coolant; a coolant port for the outlet of the coolant; a coolant flow field comprising a flow field formed in the coolant surface of the plate and fluidly connected to the coolant inlet port and to the coolant outlet port; a supporting wall surrounding the backfeed port and the adjacent reactant port on the coolant surface of the plate; a sealing wall surrounding the supporting wall on the coolant surface of the plate; and a groove formed on the coolant surface of the plate between the supporting wall and the sealing wall; wherein the supporting wall comprises at least one duct located adjacent the backfeed port and fluidly connecting the groove to the backfeed port.