Patent ID: 8101322
Filing Date: 2012-01-24
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A monopolar plate for a fuel cell comprising: a plate having an inlet aperture formed in a first end thereof and an outlet aperture formed in a second end thereof, a first side of the plate having a flow field formed between the inlet aperture and the outlet aperture, the flow field including a plurality of flow channels formed therein, each of the flow channels in fluid communication with one of a plurality of outlet ports formed in the plate, a second side of the plate having a plurality of drainage channels formed therein adjacent the outlet aperture, each of the drainage channels providing fluid communication between one of the outlet ports and the outlet aperture, wherein a cross-sectional area occupied by each of the flow channels is equal to a cross-sectional area occupied by each of the drainage channels, and a width of each of the flow channels, a width of each of the outlet ports, and a width of each of the drainage channels are equal, to provide a constant cross-sectional area flow path, and wherein the constant cross-sectional area flow path militates against a potential for flooding or stagnation in the fuel cell.