
416 Fuel Cells
Figure 10.5 shows an exploded view of a fuel cell stack that includes
repeated sets of MEA and bipolar plates.
The stack also includes two half bipolar plates on each side along with end
gaskets and end plates. The end plates are used to cover the ends of the stack,
house the inlet and outlet ports of the reactant gas streams, interface with the
current collectors, and provide the structural support for the stack against
any compression loading. The current collector transmits the current from
the active area of the MEA to the power cable of the external load circuit.
The scaling up of a fuel cell stack for industrial applicat