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Abstract

A fuel cell including an electrode assembly, a cell assembly mounted to the electrode assembly forming an anode and at least one cathode channel, and a flow facilitator located within each cathode channel. The flow facilitator functions as a wick during the operation of the fuel cell to drain fluid from the cathode channels. It also provides resistance to water vapor flow within the cathode channels, thereby increasing humidification of the fuel cell. Moreover, the flow facilitator increases residence time of oxidant within the cathode channels. The flow facilitator is preferably a thread made of any one or any combination of cotton, silk, fiberglass, nylon or polyester, and may be coated with polytetraflouroethylene. The flow facilitator may be a single element that is weaved in specific patterns through the cathode channels or it can include a plurality of elements, one element for each of the cathode channels. A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cells, each fuel cell formed by a bipolar plate, an electrode assembly with an electrolyte, and an anode channel. Each bipolar plate includes at least one cathode channel. The flow facilitator is weaved between and into a subset of the plurality of cathode channels.

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First Claim