Non-planar architecture for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

PEMFCs traditionally rely on the use of sculpted graphite bi-polar plates a nd planar MEAs. A PEMFC design based on a non-planar electrode-membrane ass embly and using non-conventional collector plates is described in this, pap er. The design achieves high volumetric power densities while maintaining l ow contact resistance and structural integrity Several new methods for supp orting the MEA, for collecting current and for sealing are described. A technique and hardware developed for assembling the non-planar membrane-e lectrode assemblies are described and the performance of two prototype cell s based on the new design is examined. Preliminary results demonstrating si gnificant gains in volumetric power density are presented. (C) 2001 Elsevie r Science B.V. All rights. reserved.