Patent ID: 8603695
Filing Date: 2013-12-10
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A fuel cell assembly comprising: a plurality of fuel cell plates, wherein each fuel cell plate includes a plurality of flow channels fluidly coupled to at least a first aperture formed therein, each of the first apertures formed by a first edge adjacent a periphery of the fuel cell plate and a second edge adjacent the flow channels of the fuel cell plate, the first edge spaced apart from the second edge, the first apertures of the fuel cell plates substantially aligned to form a first manifold in fluid communication with the flow channels, wherein a first fluid is caused to flow through the first manifold; and a first heating apparatus disposed within the first manifold between the first edges and the second edges of the first apertures, said first heating apparatus in thermal communication with the second edges, wherein said first heating apparatus is adapted to heat the second edges without substantially heating a remainder of the fuel cell plates, including the first edges, to thereby melt ice formed in said assembly during a startup operation and militate against at least one of fluid condensation and ice formation in said fuel cell assembly.