Patent ID: 8986897
Filing Date: 2015-03-24
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A fuel cell, comprising: first and second single type bipolar plates functioning as a cathode and an anode respectively, wherein each of the first and second single type bipolar plates is structured with a first side as the cathode and a second side opposite to the first side as the anode, the first side of each of the first and second single type bipolar plates having a plurality of channels for a first reactant gas flow and a plurality of channels for a first humidifying, hydrating and cooling water (HHCW) flow, the plurality of channels for the first reactant gas flow and the plurality of channels for the first HHCW flow being separated from each other by a plurality of first landings including a plurality of first water damming layers (WDLs) made of porous materials and treated with water transferring materials, and the second side of each of the first and second single type bipolar plates having a plurality of channels for a second reactant gas flow and a plurality of channels for a second HHCW flow, the plurality of channels for the second reactant gas flow and the plurality of channels for the second HHCW flow being separated from each other by a plurality of second landings; and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) sandwiched between the first and second single type bipolar plates with the first side of each of the first and second single type bipolar plate facing the MEA, the MEA comprising: wherein the portions of the first GDL impregnated with hydrophilic and water transferring materials and a first number of the plurality of WDLs that are on the first side of the MEA are configured to allow the first HHCW flow flowing in the plurality of channels for the first HHCW flow to cool the fuel cell such that: wherein the portions of the second GDL impregnated with hydrophilic and water transferring materials and a second number of the plurality of WDLs that are on the second side of the MEA are configured to allow the second HHCW flow flowing in the plurality of channels for the second HHCW flow to cool the fuel cell such that: wherein water of the first HHCW flow is removed by at least the following: wherein water of the second HHCW flow is removed by at least the following: