Patent ID: 6844101
Filing Date: 2005-01-18
Classification: H01M,Y02E,Y02P,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A fuel cell comprising a peripheral fluid separator for separating and distributing fluids at the periphery of a substantially planar membrane electrode assembly in a fuel cell, the membrane electrode assembly comprising first and second porous electrodes assembled onto opposing major surfaces of a substantially planar membrane electrolyte, the fuel cell comprising first and second flow field plates adjacent major surfaces of the first and second electrodes, respectively, the peripheral fluid separator comprising: (a) sealing surfaces for sealing engagement with the periphery of the membrane electrode assembly and with the first and second flow field plates; (b) a first port for providing passage of a first fluid through the peripheral fluid separator; and (c) a first set of fluid distribution features for fluidly connecting the first port to the flow field in the first flow field plate and for fluidly isolating the first port from the flow field in the second flow field plate, wherein the peripheral fluid separator is bonded to the periphery of the membrane electrode assembly.