Importance

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Abstract

The invention relates to a fuel cell stack with two separators in which adjacent, but spaced apart, electrode assemblies share either a fuel space or an oxidizer space between them. Each of the electrode assemblies includes a proton exchange membrane sandwiched between an anode and a cathode. A first electrode assembly is positioned apart from one of the separators and oriented with either its anode or its cathode facing that separator. Subsequent electrode assemblies are placed between the first electrode assembly and the other separator. Each subsequent electrode assembly is oriented with the opposite side, anode or cathode, as compared to the immediately preceding electrode assembly, facing the separator that is adjacent the first electrode assembly. Each space that has at least one side defined by an anode is used as a fuel space. Each space that has at least one side defined by an cathode is used as a oxidizer space. Within the stack the anodes and the cathodes of the electrode assemblies are electrically coupled to each other.

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First Claim