Fuel cell stack having an improved pressure plate and current collector

A fuel cell stack for producing electricity from reducing fluid and process oxidant reactant streams, comprising:

• a. a plurality of fuel cell component plates stacked adjacent each other to form a reaction portion of the fuel cell stack, the plurality of fuel cell component plates including a first end cell component plate at a first end of the stack of fuel cell component plates, and a second end cell component plate at an opposed second end of the stack of fuel cell component plates:
• b. a first current collector secured adjacent the first end cell component plate, and a second current collector secured adjacent the second end cell component plate, wherein the first and second current collectors are made from non-porous, electrically conductive graphite material, and wherein the first current collector includes at least one conductive stud secured to the first current collector and extending away from the first current collector in a direction away from the first end cell component plate and the second current collector includes at least one conductive stud secured to the second current collector and extending away from the second current collector in a direction away from the second end cell component plate;
• and,
• c. a first pressure plate secured adjacent the first current collector and overlying the first end cell component plate, and a second pressure plate secured adjacent the second current collector and overlying the second end cell component plate, wherein the first and second pressure plates are made of an electrically non-conductive, non-metallic, fiber reinforced composite material.