| abstract |
A proton exchange membrane fuel cell power system for producing electrical power is described and which includes a plurality of discrete fuel cell modules (100) having at least two membrane electrode diffusion assemblies (150), each of the membrane electrode diffusion assemblies having opposite anode (153) and cathode (154) sides; a pair of current collectors (190) individually disposed in juxtaposed ohmic electrical contact with opposite sides of the membrane electrode diffusion assemblies; and individual force application assemblies (200) applying a given force to the pair of current collectors and the individual membrane electrode diffusion assemblies. The proton exchange fuel cell power system also includes an enclosure mounting a plurality of subracks which receive the discrete fuel cell modules. Additionally, a control system is disclosed which optimizes the performance parameters of the discrete proton exchange fuel cell modules. |