Patent ID: 7846591

Claim:
An electrochemical cell having a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) comprising an anode and a cathode, the cell comprising: an electroconductive element comprising an impermeable electrically conductive element having a major surface facing the cathode, and an electrically conductive porous liquid distribution media disposed along said major surface defining flow channels comprising peaks corresponding to lands and grooves for transporting gas and liquid to and from the cathode; an electrically conductive fluid distribution layer disposed between said liquid distribution media and the cathode for transporting gases and liquids between the cathode and said flow channels; said fluid distribution layer and liquid distribution media constructed and arranged to transport liquids accumulating within the cathode through said fluid distribution layer and to and through said liquid distribution media, wherein said liquid distribution media is disposed on said peaks and contacts said fluid distribution layer in regions corresponding to said peaks to form an electrically conductive path between said impermeable electrically conductive element and said conductive fluid distribution layer, and wherein said fluid distribution layer is porous and has an average pore size larger than an average pore size of said porous liquid distribution media.