Patent ID: 7189468

Claim:
A fuel cell unit, comprising: a first flow field structure having a first electrical type that is either an anode-type or a cathode-type; a membrane electrode assembly located adjacent said first flow field structure, said membrane electrode assembly including first and second diffusion layers and an ion conducting membrane located therebetween; a flow field wick having a second electrical type that is either said anode-type or said cathode-type, said second electrical type being opposite said first electrical type of said first flow field structure, said flow field wick located adjacent said membrane electrode assembly opposite said first flow field structure and comprising a layer that includes: a first face located adjacent said membrane electrode assembly; passageways for wicking a liquid to said membrane electrode assembly during use of the fuel cell unit; and at least one channel for conducting the liquid in a direction substantially parallel to said first face during use of the fuel cell unit; and a second flow field structure of said first electrical type, said second flow field structure located adjacent said flow field wick opposite said membrane electrode assembly without an intermediate anode flow field or cathode flow field located therebetween.