Patent ID: 7413822

Claim:
A fuel cell assembly comprising: at least one fuel cell comprising an anode configured to accept a hydrogen-bearing compound therein, a cathode configured to accept an oxygen-bearing compound therein and a flowpath corresponding to each of said anode and cathode and in respective fluid communication therewith; and a cooling system in thermal communication with said at least one fuel cell to regulate a temperature therein, said cooling system comprising: a coolant reservoir configured to contain a quantity of coolant therein; at least one flow regulating device configured to permit selective relief of pressure buildup in said cooling system such that said oxygen-bearing compound can flow from said cathode flowpath to said cooling system over a substantial majority of pressures generated during operation of said at least one fuel cell; and a hydrogen removal unit fluidly coupled to said coolant reservoir such that upon receipt of unreacted hydrogen extant in said coolant and upon further receipt of at least a portion of said oxygen-bearing compound from said cathode flowpath, a reaction in said unit converts at least a portion of said hydrogen into water.