Method for minimizing the influence of shunt currents by water-based coolants on bipolar plates of PEM fuel cells

摘要

A fuel cell includes a first valve metal flow field plate. The first valve metal flow field plate has a first cooling channel configured to receive an aqueous coolant and to contact the aqueous coolant at a position that inhibits the formation of shunt currents when the fuel cell is integrated with a fuel cell stack. An array includes a first metal flow field plate having a first cooling channel adapted to receive an aqueous coolant that is also provided. A valve metal plate is disposed over the first metal flow field plate in the flow field assembly. Fuel cell stacks are also provided which use the valve metal-containing flow field plates.